Issue - meetings

To seek approval of the plans to engage the community in both sporting events and cultural projects and events, and to leave a lasting legacy

Councillor David Dixon, in proposing the item, said that 2012 would be an exciting year and the Council would be embracing all the challenges.  He outlined some of the planned events and activities and thanked Lynda Deane and Ann Cullis, who had worked so hard to prepare for the Olympiad.  He moved the proposals.

Councillor Cherry Beath seconded the proposal and observed that not all the planned events involved physical activity; many were cultural and educational.

Councillor Simon Allen was particularly pleased that the area would be heavily involved in the Paralympic events.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that he would be inviting all Councillors to join him in the challenge to contribute towards the grand total of 2,012km in running, cycling, swimming, walking and other activities.  He also expressed how delighted he was that Bath would be looking after the British Paralympics Team for the next 5 years.  He observed that this would require renewed efforts to ensure the accessibility of local venues.

On a motion from Councillor David Dixon, seconded by Councillor Cherry Beath, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To ENGAGE in the National celebrations of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the ambitions of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the Government to leave a legacy for future generations;

(2) To EMBRACE all the plans outlined in this Report and support the activities proposed positively;

(3) To ENCOURAGE all Councillors to enthuse and engage their own communities in the planned programme of events and challenges and participate fully in the opportunities and benefits offered by 2012;

(4) To ENCOURAGE all Council staff to adopt an Olympics message in their email signature from January 2012 and to participate in the activities associated with this Report, in line with the Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy;

(5) To APPOINT the Leader of the Council as the Olympics Champion and as the figurehead for 2012 locally.