An initiative for 2012

To help create a legacy of sport and celebration in 2012, Wealden District Council has launched a one-off initiative, Wealden Welcomes 2012, to bring communities together to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games.

“With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the London 2012 Torch Relay, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Cultural Olympiad, there is much to celebrate and share this year,” said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member with responsibility for economic development and tourism.

“We want to encourage parishes and towns in Wealden to take part in sports and other activities which bring people together or create events which will attract visitors to the district. These are the type of celebrations which can provide an economic boost and cement valuable links in the community. With the added support of the Wealden Welcomes 2012 initiative, this will be a year to remember.”

The Olympic torch comes to Wealden on Tuesday 17 July, appearing at Crowborough and Pevensey. The 2012 London Olympics will take place from 27 July to 12 August, and the Paralympics from 29 August to the 9 September. The 2012 Disabled British Open and Junior Disabled British Open Golf championships take place at the East Sussex National near Uckfield on 24 – 26 August.

The Wealden Welcomes 2012 initiative will enable communities to apply for a maximum grant of £500. No match funding is required. Celebratory projects relating to the London 2012 Torch Relay and Olympic and Paralympic Games must do TWO or more of the following:

1) Bring together the community (residents, visitors and businesses) to take part.
2) Promote healthier and more active lifestyles in the community.
3) Promote a recognised sport.
4) Celebrate the sporting life or cultural life of the community.
5) Welcome visitors to the community.

Applicants will be required to complete a standard application form and will be assessed against the eligibility criteria below:

• Applications can be made by the town / parish council or a representative of the community.
• A maximum of £500 can be applied for per community.
• No match funding is required.
• Only one application can be submitted per community.
• Celebration event items applied for must not have been purchased before the grant is approved.
• Applications must be received by 7 May 2012 at the latest.

For further information about the scheme and to request an application form, please contact the Economic Development & Tourism Team on 01892 602884 /6/7 or email: regeneration@wealden.gov.uk

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