Today is St Davids Day - the feast day of the patron Saint of Wales. Well done to Google for changing their doodle to a Welsh theme for the day.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
West Ham CLP phone bank
Picture right is of West Ham Labour Party phone bank volunteers about to start calling people this evening in our headquarters in Stratford. On left is Mark Lewis who with Alan Griffiths has set up the weekly phone bank. Then our ringer London Assembly member, John Biggs in middle, then yet another John (Armitage) on the right. It was a successful session and we had a good reaction from residents. I spoke to a number of people in my ward who were pleased to contacted by their Councillor even though they could not think of anything to complain about at the time. I did pick up Councillor case work and surgery appointments. See the colourful backdrop in the picture and you may recognise certain photos (I should claim copyright!)
Save Our NHS Rally 7 March 18:00 Central Hall London
Check out details about the NHS Rally next week at Central Hall, Westminister. 6pm to 7.30pm. Sign up here to attend. If you cannot make it in person then you can join in via a live webcast.
"Together, we’re going to send the strongest possible message to Cameron and Clegg that they need to start listening, and drop this Health Bill".
Hat tip TULO.
London Olympics 2012 Offers First Look at the Paralympic Torch
London 2012 Offers First Look at the Paralympic Torch
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has unveiled the Paralympic Torch to mark six months to go until the start of the Paralympic Games.
(PRWEB) February 29, 2012
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has unveiled the Paralympic Torch to mark six months to go until the start of the Paralympic Games.
- Paralympic Torch given mirrored finish to reflect the light of the Flame and teams of Torchbearers that carry it
- 33 communities across the UK to host Flame Celebrations over the August bank holiday weekend
- Over 3500 people across the UK have been nominated to carry the Paralympic Flame
- An image of the Paralympic Torch can be downloadedhere
Made from an aluminium alloy which was developed for the aerospace and automotive industry, the Paralympic Torch has been given a mirrored finish which means that its colour will adapt to its surroundings.
It will not only reflect the light from the Flame but also shine brightly on the teams of Torchbearers that carry it and the communities that it travels through on the way from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Stadium. With part of the 24 hour relay taking place overnight, the reflective nature of the Torch will help it shine brightly and stand out in the darkness.
Sharing the core design attributes of the Olympic Torch, the three sided form was inspired by the multiples of ‘three’ identified across London 2012. One of these is the Agitos, the symbol of the International Paralympic Committee. The three Agitos encircle a central point to emphasise the role the International Paralympic Committee plays in bringing athletes from all parts of the world together to compete. In the same way, the three sides of the Paralympic Torch encircle the Paralympic Flame.
Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: 'With six months to go until the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, we are on track to deliver a great Games that will showcase some of the most inspirational athletes from around the World. The Paralympic Torch Relay will provide the perfect start by involving people from across the UK in events celebrating the Flame and help the ignite passion for the Paralympics.'
Multi-medal winning Paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, said: 'The unveiling of the Paralympic Torch is an important part of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay, as it will become the symbol that everyone recognises. With six months to go until the start of the Paralympic Games, I hope this will help build on the growing excitement and inspire the teams that are in line to carry the Flame from Stoke Mandeville to London.'
Designed by London-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for use in both London 2012 Relays, the design of the Torch was driven by a desire to reflect modernity and innovation. Being made from an aluminium alloy, it is light whilst having good strength and excellent heat resistance. Thousands of round perforations, made using cutting-edge laser technology, help ensure that heat from the flame is quickly dissipated without being conducted down the handle. The holes also make the Torch lighter and give it a strong texture that is easy to grip.
Created by working in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry-based manufacturers, The Premier Group, the Torch reflects the UK’s talent in design and manufacturing.
Barber and Osgerby said: 'We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK. We are incredibly proud to be representing the UK, in design. We’ve worked hard to create a Torch that universally celebrates both the Paralympic and Olympic Relays and which reflects the passion for London 2012.'
Four Flames will be lit as part of a new concept for the Paralympic Torch Relay, one each in London, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. The Flames will be lit using the energy of physical human endeavour. Each nation will also host events celebrating the Flame Lightings. The four Flames will be united at the Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame. This Flame will be carried on a 24 hour overnight Relay to London and the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
Over 150 school teams from across the UK are taking part in STEM Challenge 9: The Paralympic Torch Relay Challenge, an Inspire mark project, where groups of 11 to 14-year-olds students are investigating how to create a spark by the energy of human endeavour to light the Paralympic Flame. STEMNET is shortlisting finalists, with the final taking place on Saturday 17th March at The Big Bang UK Science and Engineering Fair 2012. The winning team will receive prize money to support their school STEM Club and access to a Paralympic Torch Relay event.
33 communities from across the UK have taken the opportunity to host Flame Celebration’s over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Each celebration will be unique and have a flavour of the local area but will have the Paralympic values at its core.
In addition to the Flame Festivals and Flame Celebrations, the whole of the UK will be encouraged to help light the way to the Paralympic Games by lighting a lantern. To get involved, please visit http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders/lantern-festival/
Sir Philip Craven, International Paralympic Committee President, said: 'I am delighted with the plans for the Paralympic Torch Relay as LOCOG and the IPC have worked closely to develop a concept that will not only capture the attention of the whole country but also act as a blueprint for Organizing Committees of future Games.
'I think it is brilliant that the actual Paralympic Flame, that will be used to light the Cauldron in the Opening Ceremony on 29 August, will be created at Stoke Mandeville, a place steeped in Paralympic history. The Games are coming home in six months time and it is only right that we celebrate the significance of Stoke Mandeville, the Paralympic Movement’s birthplace.'
The three Presenting Partners for the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay, BT, Lloyds TSB, and Sainsbury’s have each carried out a public nomination process to find some of the most inspirational teams across the UK to carry the Paralympic Flame. There were over 3500 nominations and they are now going through judging before the successful teams are announced in the next couple of months. The Relay will also include nominations from the International Paralympic Committee, the British Paralympic Association and other London 2012 sponsors.
Suzi Williams, Director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, added: 'Here at BT we’ve been involved in the Paralympics for decades and we understand the power of Paralympic sport to inspire all of us. The unveiling of the Paralympic Torch design today – with just six months to go - will help to inspire the teams of amazing people we’re bringing together to run with the Flame.'
Sally Hancock, Director, 2012 Partnership and Group Sponsorship at Lloyds Banking Group said: 'As the only Presenting Partner of both the Paralympic and Olympic Torch Relays, Lloyds TSB is proud to be bringing the spirit of the Games closer to communities.
'We had a fantastic response from the public last year, nominating people who have supported and inspired people in their community to carry the Paralympic Flame. With six months to go until the start of the Relay it’s great to see the excitement building as the Paralympic Torch is unveiled and communities prepare to celebrate at Flame Festivals around the UK.'
Gwyn Burr, Customer Service & Colleague Director at Sainsbury’s, said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the stories of determination, inspiration and courage which have been shared with us as part of our UK-wide nominations process. We look forward to sharing these stories with our customers and colleagues once the successful teams have been announced and to seeing the efforts of these incredible people rewarded with a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience.'
Notes to editors
Paralympic Torch Relay dates and events:
24 August 2012 - London Flame lighting event
25 August 2012 – Greater Belfast area Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
26 August 2012 - Edinburgh Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
27 August 2012 - Cardiff Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
28 August 2012 - Stoke Mandeville special ceremony to bring together all four Flames to create the Paralympic Flame and 24 hour relay begins
29 August 2012 - Paralympic Flame arrives at the Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games
24 August 2012 - London Flame lighting event
25 August 2012 – Greater Belfast area Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
26 August 2012 - Edinburgh Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
27 August 2012 - Cardiff Flame lighting event and Flame Festival
28 August 2012 - Stoke Mandeville special ceremony to bring together all four Flames to create the Paralympic Flame and 24 hour relay begins
29 August 2012 - Paralympic Flame arrives at the Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games
More information about the London 2012 Torch design:
- The Torch is made up of an inner and an outer skin. These skins are held in place by a cast top piece and base.
- Although appearing completely seamless the Torch body is actually made from six components.
- The 8,000 circles offer a transparency that allows people to see right to the heart of the Torch and view the burner system which will keep the Flame alive.
- It is 800mm tall which will allow for it to be seen above crowds even when carried by the youngest Torchbearer.
- The final Torch will house a burner system that will feed the Flame.
- The construction helps to ensure that the weight of the Torch is once again kept to a minimum whilst conveying great simplicity.
The London 2012 multiples of three:
- Three Olympic Values – respect, excellence and friendship
- The UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times
- The vision for London 2012 combines three strands of work – sport, education and culture
- The three Agitos
London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, operating in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, operating in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
BT is the official communications services partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and a Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay.
In the year ended 31 March 2011, BT Group’s revenue was £20,076 million with profit before taxation of £1,717 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
Enquiries relating to BT’s nomination programme for Paralympic Torch Relay Torchbearers should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369.
Lloyds TSB is the exclusive Banking & Insurance Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and partner of the London 2012 ticketing programme and the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays. The Bank is committed to inspire and support young people, businesses and communities across Britain in the lead up to London 2012.
As a National Presenting Partner for the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB will be taking the spirit and inspiration of the Paralympic Flame right to the heart of communities across the UK. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland will be the National Presenting Partner in Scotland. Be the first to hear how to follow the Paralympic and Olympic Flames, through our customer-exclusive programme Trackside. For more information on how Lloyds TSB is helping take the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to all corners of Britain.
Sainsbury’s is proud to be a Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay. Sainsbury’s is committed to promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle for all, regardless of ability, and supporting the values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality on which the Paralympic Movement was founded.
Sainsbury’s will be using its partnership of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay to engage and celebrate those who make a lasting difference in attitudes towards disability in the UK and create opportunities for change in disabled people’s lives.
Sainsbury's is the first ever Paralympic Games-only sponsor and this landmark commitment to the Paralympic Movement is the largest sponsorship ever of a Paralympic Games.
Sainsbury's is the first ever Paralympic Games-only sponsor and this landmark commitment to the Paralympic Movement is the largest sponsorship ever of a Paralympic Games.
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.
London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.
There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and one domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Supplier, Otto Bock. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.
Giant Olympic Rings Launched on the River Thames
Giant Olympic Rings Launched on the River Thames
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today launched a set of giant Olympic Rings onto the River Thames as he announced a programme of cultural events to celebrate London 2012.
(PRWEB) February 28, 2012
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today launched a set of giant Olympic Rings onto the River Thames as he announced a programme of cultural events to celebrateLondon 2012.
From 21 July – 9 September, live music, outdoor arts and 'pop up' events will take place throughout London. Ranging from an original fusion of ballet and film to a floating opera, the programme will provide extra opportunities to get involved with the London 2012 Festival
Boris Johnson was joined by Ruth Mackenzie, Director of the London 2012 Festival, to make the announcement.
He said: 'We're creating the biggest festival of outdoor arts ever to be seen in the capital, as well as fantastic new work that will throw new light on some of our city's lesser-known landmarks and hidden gems.
'Wherever you are you will feel a part of the 2012 celebrations and experience a summer like no other in one of the most exciting cities on earth.'
Free cultural events
As part of the London 2012 Festival, the Mayor has commissioned a series of free cultural events called Secrets: Hidden London. Taking place across the city, the programme includes a floating opera inspired by The Owl And The Pussycat and Like a Fish out of Water, an English National Ballet creation capturing the nostalgia of three of London's lidos.
London 2012 Festival Director Ruth Mackenzie said : 'With millions of free tickets and opportunities to take part, Londoners and tourists will truly have a summer like no other, thanks to the partnership between the Mayor's office and London 2012 Festival.'
Outdoor arts festival
Supported by Arts Council England, the Mayor has also created Showtime, London's biggest ever outdoor arts festival, which will see the best of outdoor performance brought to every borough.
Tony Hall, Chair of London 2012 Festival and Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: 'As well as the London 2012 Festival, the Mayor of London’s programme of free cultural events across the whole of London gives every Londoner the opportunity to share in these celebrations wherever they live.'
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office
A little prayer for justice
A picture I took at Second Life last year at the house a had.
I dedicate it to all of those who are fighting for justice.
Chinyere Couture Latest Bridal/Groom Wear Collection 2012
Chinyere Couture / Bridal Wear latest collection is on display at Bareeze Outlet (Near Teen Talwar Clifton) KARACHI till 3rd March 2012.Chinyere Couture is the Label of Bareeze and its proudly launching spring Bridal collection 2012 at Karachi 2nd-4th March & Islamabad 9th-11th March.
Today I'm Loving... Ninainvorm
Last week I stumbled across Nina's blog and what a pleasant surprise it was. Nina is a 29-year-old Dutch designer, art/craft lover and maker. She sells beautiful handmade ceramics in her Etsy online shop. With Spring and Easter coming up they are just perfect and really sets the mood!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A Wednesday Wobble Around the Block
I'm not one for watching the Oscars though Son-who-watches-films does so - it's one of the highlights of his year and his evening is planned in great detail with lots of snacks and sweets and fruit to see him through it. This year the Best Short animated Film was won by 'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore'. I think it is brilliant and have watched it twice now. If you have fifteen minutes to spare please pop over to the Once A Librarian blog and watch it. (Thanks to Danielle for bringing it to my attention).
(Photo from the Web)
Liverpool Football Club won the Carling Cup (League Cup as it used to be called until sponsorship ruled sport) on Sunday. Hip hip hooray, more silverware for the trophy cabinet and it means we will be playing in European competitions again next season having dropped out this season for the first time in years. Kenny Dalgleish, in his two reigns as manager, has now won as many trophies as the great Bill Shankly. 
(Photo from the Web)
On Sunday Jo and I went for a super meal and pleasant chat with friends. They have a miniature Yorkshire Terrier. Isn't that a sweet face. It's the sort of face that suggests half a ton of mischief inside a six pound body.
To change from dogs to cats I should mention that I've just sent a postcard to a cat - called Jeppe. His owner has put an entry on the postcrossing site for him!
One of Jo's clients or students (I can't recall which) gave her an Amarylis bulb last year and it has been flowering this last week. They have never been a particular favourite of mine but this one is excptional. So big and bold. A real colour statement at this time of year.
Sharp Little Pencil has just reached her 400th post. She's well worth visiting and if you want to know my favourite of her recent posts it is this one. It's a great example of her poetry, or if you want a very short story you could try this one.
I thought I'd check how many posts I'm up to – the answer is 2273 on this blog alone. What a lot of time I must spend on the computer and many congratularions to those who've been with me from the beginning of this particular blog in August 2007. Ironically I moved my blogs from Angelfire at that time because Angelfire was changing its format. I think Blogger must have done 2273 changes since I've been on it. Ironically, the one change I would like to see has never happened. I would like old posts, when you visit them, to show the sidebar and headers as they were at the time. That way I would not have lost the various award pictures I have had on at times.
Kay (Georgia Girl with an English Heart) has kindly awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award. In the past I've had the Over the Top Award from Pauline at The Paddock; the Honest Scrap Award (for my word blog) from Monica at Dawn Treader; someone anonymous nominated me for the post of the day on David Mcmahon's Authorblog; Cheshire Wife gave me the One Lovely Blog Award; Shabby girl at A Fish’s Beach Wishes was kind enough to award me the Lemonade Award for this blog and a Crown/Queen Award for the word blog. I've only found out what awards I got by using Mark's postvorta search engine because at some stage I've deleted them from the sidebar.
I shall blog about the Versatile Blogger Award in the near future.
London Marathon 2012 Wk 19: Ken's Fare Deal
The training for this year's London Marathon is still going relatively well except for ongoing sensitivity in my left knee. I'm trying to do more stretches and sessions on the "wobble board". So far so good. It This week's "best run" was on Saturday when I did a 2 hour session delivering Labour "Ken's Fare Deal" tabloid leaflets (see right) starting off from Forest Gate, picking up leaflets on route then delivering around my ward in West Ham.
I am ashamed to say that in a moment of weakness I took the lift up the 21 storey tower block, David Lee Point and then ran down. However, I did run up its sister block, Brasset Point then back home via West Ham Park. The views of East London from the top of both tower blocks is spectacular. Delivering leaflets is stop start and probably nearer a jogging pace than a "run" but there is some useful "uphill" workout from going up stairs in blocks of flats.
I am running the London marathon on 22 April 2012 while sort of using the official advanced training programme and will be raising funds for a valuable homeless charity for Young People called "Alone in London". Click hereto sponsor me on the Justgiving website.
London 2012 Olympics Test Events
London 2012 to Stage 11 Further Test Events
The world class sporting events, which take place between 18 April and 8 May, will test elements including venue operations, spectator flows, workforce, security, the field of play, scoring, timing and results and conclude the 42 event London Prepares series.
(PRWEB) February 27, 2012
The world class sporting events, which take place between 18 April and 8 May, will test elements including venue operations, spectator flows, workforce, security, the field of play, scoring, timing and results and conclude the 42 event London Prepares series.
Six events will take place in the Olympic Park over seven days from 2-8 May, giving LOCOG the first opportunity to test the common domain and multiple venues at the same time. Particular focus will be put on the events that take place concurrently on the Olympic Park on Saturday 5 May when the park will host up to 80,000 visitors over the course of the day.
Tickets to Hockey, Synchronised Swimming, Wheelchair Tennis, Water Polo and Paralympic Athletics, will go on sale to the general public at 10:00 on 15 March, giving spectators the chance to see world class competition in Olympic and Paralympic venues. Prices range from £3- £20 and are available viahttp://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/londonpreparesseries
Access to Wheelchair Rugby, Shooting, Paralympic Archery and Boccia will be allocated to local residents, members of National Governing Bodies and athletes’ friends and families.
The BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place in the Olympic Stadium from 4-7 May with tickets available to members of BUCS. Details on public access to the Olympic Stadium on Saturday 5 May will be released in due course.
Debbie Jevans, London 2012 Director of Sport, said: “We are now in the home straight and having staged 31 successful test events we are in a good position as we head towards the Games themselves. As with all our test events we will be testing a range of our event operations including field of play and also our workforce. During our programme of six events in the Olympic Park over a seven day period we will also be able to focus on our overall Park operations outside of the sport venues and this will be invaluable.”
Olympic sponsors Visa continue to show their support for the London 2012 Games and international sport with individual sponsorship of five events. While UK Sport also part fund the Paralympic athletics event. As a proud sponsor of London 2012. Visa (debit, credit, prepaid) is the only card accepted for online ticket sales for the London Prepares series.
Ticketed test events:
Apr 18-22 FINA Olympic Games Synchronised Swimming Qualification, presented by Visa. Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park. Tickets £5- £20
Apr 23 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualification Play-Off Match, City of Coventry Stadium. Tickets £5-£10
May 2-6 Visa International Invitational Hockey Tournament, Riverbank Arena, Olympic Park. Tickets £5- £15
May 3-6 Eton Manor Wheelchair Tennis International, Eton Manor, Olympic Park. Tickets on sale for 5 May £3- £5
May 3-6 Visa Water Polo International, Water Polo Arena, Olympic Park. Tickets £5 - £15
May 8 Visa London Disability Athletics Challenge, Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park. Tickets £5
Football tickets: http://www.theticketfactory.com/footballtournamentqualification
Non ticketed test events:
Apr 18-19 London International Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament Basketball Arena, Olympic Park.
Apr 18-28 ISSF Shooting World Cup, The Royal Artillery Barracks.
May 3-6 London Para Archery International Tournament, The Royal Artillery Barracks.
May 4-7 BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships, Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park.
May 5-7 London Boccia Invitational 2012, Basketball Arena, Olympic Park.
Notes to editors:
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.
UK Sport
UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme distributes approximately £3.5 million of Lottery funding each year to support the bidding and staging costs of major events on home soil, as well as providing specialist support to organisers. Ahead of London 2012, events are supported primarily based on their likely performance impact, but consideration is given to the broader impacts of events: to maximise the wider sporting, social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits, as well as sporting performance and legacy.
UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme distributes approximately £3.5 million of Lottery funding each year to support the bidding and staging costs of major events on home soil, as well as providing specialist support to organisers. Ahead of London 2012, events are supported primarily based on their likely performance impact, but consideration is given to the broader impacts of events: to maximise the wider sporting, social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits, as well as sporting performance and legacy.
Over 100 events, hosted by at least 35 different towns and cities, will have been supported from 2007 until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These competitions will have attracted around 30,000 athletes and provided opportunities for over 27,000 officials and volunteers to gain international sporting experience and develop key skills ahead of London 2012.
About Visa Europe
In Europe, there are 445 million Visa debit, credit and commercial cards. In the 12 months ending September 2011 those cards were used to make purchases and cash withdrawals to the value of €1.7 trillion. 14% of consumer spending at point of sale in Europe is with a Visa card, and almost 80% of that is on Visa debit cards.
In Europe, there are 445 million Visa debit, credit and commercial cards. In the 12 months ending September 2011 those cards were used to make purchases and cash withdrawals to the value of €1.7 trillion. 14% of consumer spending at point of sale in Europe is with a Visa card, and almost 80% of that is on Visa debit cards.
Visa Europe is owned and operated by more than 3,700 European member banks and was incorporated in July 2004. Visa Europe is independent of global Visa Inc., with an exclusive, irrevocable and perpetual licence in Europe, while both companies operate to ensure global interoperability. As a dedicated European payment system Visa Europe is able to respond quickly to the specific market needs of European banks and their customers - cardholders and retailers - and to meet the European Commission’s objective to create a true internal market for payments.
Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/PLUS is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 200 countries.
For more information, visit http://www.visaeurope.com
About Team 2012
Team 2012 presented by Visa is a fundraising programme designed to provide UK athletes with the tools and support to reach their full potential and win more medals at European Championships, World Championships – and of course at the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. It is a joint venture between the British Olympic Association, ParalympicsGB, UK Sport and LOCOG. Alongside the vital role played by The National Lottery and Exchequer funding, Team 2012 will help fund our athletes over the next two years. The vast majority of funds raised through Team 2012 will be distributed by UK Sport through its World Class Performance Programme which ensures that the UK’s most talented athletes have every chance of reaching their potential. Having run their programme since 1997, UK Sport has developed a highly successful ‘No Compromise’ approach, which ultimately means taking no short cuts in resourcing the best athletes to realise their medal ambitions. Funding is provided to athletes via their sport’s governing body, in support of a performance programme that includes coaching, training and competition support, medical and scientific services and equipment and access to the best facilities.
Team 2012 presented by Visa is a fundraising programme designed to provide UK athletes with the tools and support to reach their full potential and win more medals at European Championships, World Championships – and of course at the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. It is a joint venture between the British Olympic Association, ParalympicsGB, UK Sport and LOCOG. Alongside the vital role played by The National Lottery and Exchequer funding, Team 2012 will help fund our athletes over the next two years. The vast majority of funds raised through Team 2012 will be distributed by UK Sport through its World Class Performance Programme which ensures that the UK’s most talented athletes have every chance of reaching their potential. Having run their programme since 1997, UK Sport has developed a highly successful ‘No Compromise’ approach, which ultimately means taking no short cuts in resourcing the best athletes to realise their medal ambitions. Funding is provided to athletes via their sport’s governing body, in support of a performance programme that includes coaching, training and competition support, medical and scientific services and equipment and access to the best facilities.
London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.
There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and one domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Supplier, Otto Bock. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.
London Olympic Highlights of the Week
IOC Announces Olympic Highlights of the Week
This weekend, IOC President Jacques Rogge will be in Lusaka (Zambia), where he will visit the Olympic Youth Development Centre, accompanied by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke.
(PRWEB) February 24, 2012
This weekend, IOC President Jacques Rogge will be in Lusaka (Zambia), where he will visit the Olympic Youth Development Centre, accompanied by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke.
President Rogge will be accompanied on this occasion by IOC Vice-President Thomas Bach; African IOC Executive Board (EB) members Nawal El Moutawakel and Sam Ramsamy; the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Lassana Palenfo; and the IOC member in Zambia, Patrick Chamunda.
President Rogge will be accompanied on this occasion by IOC Vice-President Thomas Bach; African IOC Executive Board (EB) members Nawal El Moutawakel and Sam Ramsamy; the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Lassana Palenfo; and the IOC member in Zambia, Patrick Chamunda.
The delegation will also visit the Fountain of Hope centre where UNICEF is running a project focusing on the rehabilitation of street children and out-of-school children and young people through sport. This project is part of the “International Inspiration” programme, the official legacy programme of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The IOC President will also meet the President of the Republic of Zambia, Michael Sata.
MEMBERS
Mario Pescante has announced that he is stepping down from his position as IOC Vice-President. This resignation will come into force at the Olympic Games in London this summer.
Mario Pescante has announced that he is stepping down from his position as IOC Vice-President. This resignation will come into force at the Olympic Games in London this summer.
Andrés Botero Philipsbourne has been appointed as Director of Colombian sports institute Coldeportes. On the occasion of this appointment, the members of the Colombian NOC Executive Board paid tribute to him through an audio and video montage retracing his career as an athlete and sports leader.
COMMISSIONS
As announced last week, the 5th IOC World Conference on Women and Sport, chaired by Anita L. DeFrantz, ended with the unanimous approval of the Los Angeles Declaration by more than 800 delegates from 135 countries. This declaration aims to promote parity between men and women in sport and to use sport as a tool to improve women’s status throughout the world. Organised jointly by the IOC, the United States Olympic Committee and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games, the theme of this Conference was “Together Stronger: The Future of Sport”.
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
On 20 February, 64 boxers and 14 boxing coaches started their journey to London 2012 by taking part in the first International Boxing Association (AIBA) “Road to London” training camp. This camp, which will be held in Cardiff (Wales) until 10 March, is part of AIBA’s “Road to Dream” programme which allows athletes and coaches from developing countries to participate in two-week training camps. AIBA will invite all the boxers qualified for the 2012 Games to a second camp which will take place in Cardiff from 5 to 24 July.
SUMMER IFS
On 20 February, 64 boxers and 14 boxing coaches started their journey to London 2012 by taking part in the first International Boxing Association (AIBA) “Road to London” training camp. This camp, which will be held in Cardiff (Wales) until 10 March, is part of AIBA’s “Road to Dream” programme which allows athletes and coaches from developing countries to participate in two-week training camps. AIBA will invite all the boxers qualified for the 2012 Games to a second camp which will take place in Cardiff from 5 to 24 July.
The 122nd Aerobic Gymnastics (Level 3) Academy took place recently in Cali (Colombia). This was the first time that this event had taken place on the American continent. Thirteen coaches from seven Hispanic member federations of the Pan-American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) took part. The delegates included Hardy Fink, the Director of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Education and Academy Programmes.
The first International Swimming Federation (FINA) School for Swimming Officials of 2012 was held in Tunis (Tunisia) on 11 and 12 February. Some 30 participants listened to lectures given by Søren Korbo, FINA Technical Committee Honorary Secretary, and Olugbenga Lawal, FINA Technical Committee member. The objectives of this programme include increasing the number of officials, enhancing the quality of officiating and creating uniform interpretation and application of rules across all aquatic disciplines, thus raising the quality of refereeing. The next classes will take place in St Petersburg (Russian Federation), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Johannesburg (South Africa).
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced the names of the 42 technical delegates who will officiate at the London 2012 triathlon competition. These officials come from 25 different countries, which is a new record (three more countries than for the previous Games in Beijing).
WINTER IFS
We have learnt through an International Ski Federation (FIS) press release that, for the first time in the history of skiing, Turkey will host a World Championship skiing competition. From 19 to 26 February, the world’s best Nordic junior athletes and under-23 cross-country skiers will compete in the Turkish resort of Erzurum, which hosted the Winter Universiade last year. A total of 35 teams have been entered for this international competition. Furthermore, the “Marc Hodler” Trophy, which is named after the former FIS President, will be awarded to the most successful team across the three disciplines of cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined.
We have learnt through an International Ski Federation (FIS) press release that, for the first time in the history of skiing, Turkey will host a World Championship skiing competition. From 19 to 26 February, the world’s best Nordic junior athletes and under-23 cross-country skiers will compete in the Turkish resort of Erzurum, which hosted the Winter Universiade last year. A total of 35 teams have been entered for this international competition. Furthermore, the “Marc Hodler” Trophy, which is named after the former FIS President, will be awarded to the most successful team across the three disciplines of cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined.
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the German NOC Thomas Bach, who is also an IOC Vice-President, recently presented the Sport for All Trophies in Berlin (Germany). The “Stars of Sport” trophy was awarded to the Märkische Turngemeinde Essen-Horst association for its “United Sports” programme for children and young people. This association shows how sport, linked with social education, can bring together people from different cultural backgrounds in an exemplary way. The SV Ahorn 1910 sports club, represented by its President, Klaus Leonhardt, also received a trophy for its integrative approach, offering mixed training groups for the disabled and the able-bodied.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the German NOC Thomas Bach, who is also an IOC Vice-President, recently presented the Sport for All Trophies in Berlin (Germany). The “Stars of Sport” trophy was awarded to the Märkische Turngemeinde Essen-Horst association for its “United Sports” programme for children and young people. This association shows how sport, linked with social education, can bring together people from different cultural backgrounds in an exemplary way. The SV Ahorn 1910 sports club, represented by its President, Klaus Leonhardt, also received a trophy for its integrative approach, offering mixed training groups for the disabled and the able-bodied.
We have just learnt that, at the Plenary Session of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC), which was held at the end of December, COC President Liu Peng handed over the 2011 IOC “Sport and Social Responsibility” Trophy to the Beijing Sport University, represented by its President, Yang Hua. Also featuring on the agenda of this session were the NOC’s work in 2011 and preparations for the Games in London.
Last week in Cali, the “Building the Dream for London 2012” project was launched. The objective of this project is to familiarise the Colombian delegation to the London 2012 Games with the English language and culture. It includes numerous joint initiatives with the Colombian NOC, the British Embassy and the British Council. The personalities attending the launch ceremony included Ambassador John Dew and NOC President Baltazar Medina. Furthermore, the NOC and the Colombian Association of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Faculties (Arcofader) signed an agreement, joining forces for research and innovation training.
In Singapore, the Tote Board organisation has been awarded the 2011 IOC “Sport and Social Responsibility” Trophy. Teo Chee Hean, the Deputy Prime Minister and President of the NOC of Singapore, presented the trophy to Bobby Chin, Chairman of Tote Board, in the presence of Ser Miang Ng, IOC Vice-President. Tote Board has made a great contribution to sports development, building sports facilities and financing sports programmes.
For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team.
A penny and a euro drops
Bankocracy in action in Europe
Across Europe and the world the penny and the euro are dropping – people who pay taxes, own homes and need jobs where they sell their honest labour realise that the various bailouts of banks are just that – bail outs of the Banks and bankers, not of the economy, not of those who trusted the banks when they bought their homes and not of the Teachers, Nurses, Builders, Transport and Public Sector workers who DID NOT cause the finance created recession and who are now paying the price of others greed.
As I wrote in relation to Ireland a year ago;
“So the € 80 Bn Bailout equates to roundly € 55,000 for every productive worker. Add to this annual interest servicing costs of € 4,960 per annum and you get the scale of the problem, Ireland’s public and private debt is simply unsustainable. Most reconstructions, Bankruptcy and liquidations, involve substantial debt reduction, a write off of debt before you begin a fresh start. Ireland is in unrealistic denial about being able to service its Public and private debt making the hard stop of debt default inevitable sooner rather than later.”
Across Europe electorates are revolting against austerity and cutbacks not just because they are painful and bad in their own right but out a sense of moral outrage at the risk transfer from the well off and greedy to the poor and needy which underpins these IMF driven “austerity packages.” What moral purpose is served by those who were feckless and amoral transferring their risk to Governments and taxpayers? What form of capitalism transfers loss from those who took the risk whilst still rewarding them handsomely? After the 1990 Crash all the talk was of banning “Arbitrage”, Banks speculating on their own behalf. Then, under the disastrous George W. Bush, America loosened all controls and the Hedge Fund Boom took off with new Masters of the Universe in ego driven Hedge Funds using derivative instruments originally developed to promote liquidity and provide certainty on future commodity and currency prices on a Titanic scale. This was always a zero sum game, for every trade there must be somebody willing to accept the counterpart, there must be winners and losers. But once again the Hedgies are rising with their expertise based on (I quote from an actual prospectus) “Deep dish nursery book research on our targeted investment sector.” When you find out what that means, please tell me?
Or consider this current guffitis from a Mayfair based hedge fund grandly entitled Trafalgar Capital who hang their brass plate at 49, St. James next to the Ritz.
“Trafalgar Capital Management (UK) LLP is a boutique investment management firm based in London, with affiliate offices in Hong Kong (Trafalgar Capital Management (HK) Limited), Auckland and Sydney. Trafalgar was established in 2001 and currently manages 3 separate Hedge based strategies. Trafalgar Capital Management (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK, is authorised by the Irish Financial Regulator to act as Promoter and Investment Manager to Irish authorised collective investment schemes and is a member of the Alternative Investment Management Association; Trafalgar Capital Management (HK) Limited is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong.”
“In 2007, Trafalgar Capital established Trafalgar Copley, a joint venture with David Copley. The joint venture is designed to leverage the experience and expertise of both Trafalgar Capital and David Copley to capitalize on global themes that are expected to play out locally in the Australian and New Zealand markets and our belief in the potential for alternative asset management strategies in the region’s Capital Markets.”
Save us from such ego driven Black Magic “experts” who no doubt move seamlessly from their trading desks to poker schools to Casinos – it’s the same difference.
For those who feel left behind by the Euro crisis David McWilliams, Irish economist, gives us our first lesson in punk economics.
It is a totally brilliant exposition of the Banking driven economic crisis by McWilliams who predicted the crash before it happened, unlike the so-important rating agencies, Captains of Industry (sic) and the Gombeen politicians!
Happy Birthday to Labour
Happy 112th Birthday to the Labour Party founded to elect Parliamentary Candidates on 27 February 1900 at Caroone House, 8 Farringdon Street, London.
“After a debate, the 129 delegates passed Hardie's motion to establish "a distinct Labour group in Parliament, who shall have their own whips, and agree upon their policy, which must embrace a readiness to cooperate with any party which for the time being may be engaged in promoting legislation in the direct interests of labour." This created an association called the Labour Representation Committee (LRC), meant to coordinate attempts to support MPs sponsored by trade unions and represent the working-class population.”
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| Aylesbury Labour celebrating the NHS's 63rd Birthday at the world famous Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Britain spends half per capita than the USA on Healthcare with better health outcomes thanks to the NHS. |
The driving force in bringing existing left wing and Trade Union groups together was Keir Hardie, the founder of the Labour Party. Born into poverty despite his father being a hard working carpenter, sacked from his job as a 10 year old for being late while looking after his dying brother and trapped in a mine accident whilst still in his teens. Hardie was a Union and Temperance organiser and lifelong pacifist. We know where our values come from.
In the October 1900 "Khaki election" which came too soon for the new party to campaign effectively only 15 candidatures were sponsored, but two were successful; Keir Hardie in Merthyr Tydfil and Richard Bell in Derby.
“The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few, where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe, and where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect.”
As a Labour activist I am proud that Labour is still a progressive force which has shaped the UK political landscape. Where would people in this country be without Labour, its achievements for ordinary working people and the balance it gives. You can criticise (and there is much material) but there is no realistic alternative to electing an alternative to the ConDems than Labour - everything else is purist wishful thinking. There are still many Labour members with fire in their belly to change society for the better - we can only make decisions about the future.
As a Labour activist I am proud that Labour is still a progressive force which has shaped the UK political landscape. Where would people in this country be without Labour, its achievements for ordinary working people and the balance it gives. You can criticise (and there is much material) but there is no realistic alternative to electing an alternative to the ConDems than Labour - everything else is purist wishful thinking. There are still many Labour members with fire in their belly to change society for the better - we can only make decisions about the future.
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