“A Community Games in every community – every year”

What is the Community Games Programme?• Inspired by the Wenlock Olympian Games, the

programme was originally created in 2010 as a Legacy Trust UK programme in the West Midlands to bring the spirit of London 2012 to the region

• Has been a national programme since January 2012• Gives communities the chance to come together and take

part in sports and arts activities• Received funding from the Government’s Social Action

Fund in 2012 and 2013• Delivered by the County Sports Partnership Network and

the YMCA

Are we a ‘Community’?

• A street• An estate• A local business• Regular users of parks/public spaces• Shared interest groups• People with a shared cultural heritage...• ...or a group of people that means something to

you

Why should we get involved?

• To be part of a national event, inspired by London 2012

• To bring people in your community together

• To give people in your community the chance to try some new activities

• To HAVE FUN!

What has happened so far?

• 3,551 communities have engaged with and staged Community Games

• 80,130 volunteers have contributed over £4million of volunteer effort

• 2,566,675 participants have enjoyed their local Community Games and shared memories with their families, friends and neighbours

• £1.4million has been raised at a local level to stage events and fund community projects

What does a Community Games look like?

• Includes a mix of both sporting and arts activities, either ‘having a go’ or competing, or both

• Has an opening and/or closing ceremony...

• ...And anything else you want

What does a Community Games look like (cont)?

• They all look different:– Some on one day at one venue– Some over a week at multiple venues– Some involve competition– Some focus on participating in new activities

• The important thing is that they are organised and shaped by you and are about your community

How are the Games organised?

• One person from your community as the Community Games Organiser

• Other people from the community to help• Local councils and other organisations

may be able to help you

Can an existing event be a Community Games?• Yes, if it includes both sporting

and arts activities and some sort of ceremony

• If it doesn’t, then it could be added to and turned into a Community Games

If I decide to organise a Community Games will I get any help?

• A website – www.communitygames.org.uk, with lots of helpful ideas

• A toolkit – available to download from the website – and also a hard copy

• A free e-learning workshop that takes you through the main tasks involved in organising a Community Games

• Local advisers to help you to shape your ideas• Free workshops on how to organise and promote

successful Community Games

Support for Organisers cont…

• A page on the website for your Community Games

• A regular newsletter with information and news on what’s happening elsewhere

• Publicity materials to help promote your Games• T-shirts for your volunteers• Banners, bunting and giveaways to give your

Games the professional touch

Is there any funding available?

• All the support that you can access is free of charge, including the e-learning and the workshops

• There are some sources of funding for events available in some areas; your local CSP will be able to help and there is information on the website

Three steps to a successful Community Games...

1. Research...

• Who makes up your community?• What are the community’s interests?• What is the age and ethnic make-up of

your community?• How can you ensure that activities are

staged for all ages, abilities and disabilities?

2. Develop ideas...

• Where and when would be best to hold your Community Games?

• What do you want the programme look like?

• Can you link with another event?

• The toolkit has lots of ideas that will help you

3. Put the Plan into Action!

• Make use of the Community Games toolkit, for example the timeline document and event delivery plan

• Access the Support Programme