Arts Initiative Backs Olympic Inspiration

The first of dozens of local projects to be inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has just taken place in Belfast.

Northern Ireland Arts Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) and Lord Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), joined the Ulster Orchestra and 120 children as they began work yesterday on 'The Pied Piper'.

Due to be launched next Spring, the Ulster Orchestra project is the first one to be awarded an 'Inspire Mark' in Northern Ireland, and one of the first of 34 such initiatives.

Speaking at a workshop in Elmwood Hall the Minister said: "The London 2012 Inspire Mark recognises outstanding projects and events helping to deliver the Games' lasting legacy.

"It is therefore appropriate that such valuable recognition has been awarded to 'The Pied Piper' project," he said.

The project is an educational outreach programme by the Ulster Orchestra featuring composer Brian Irvine and over 200 local school children.

It is based on performance, self-expression and creativity, encouraging collaboration between different and diverse communities, and exploring different art forms such as music, dance and visual arts.

Commenting on the 'fun of participating in the arts' the Minister added: "We want young people everywhere to be inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This represents a very special time in the lives of the school children taking part in this thoroughly enjoyable project and I hope it is something that will stay with them in the years to come.

"I too am 'inspired' by the children's enthusiasm and extremely impressed with the talents that they have already displayed today.

"I wish them every success as they move towards a full orchestral grand finale event on 14 March 2009 in the Waterfront Hall Belfast.

"I would encourage other projects across Northern Ireland to be inspired by the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the opportunity that an Inspire Mark can bring," he concluded.

Commenting on the performance Lord Coe said: "I am honoured to make my first formal visit to a London 2012 Inspire Mark project today.

"The project is successfully bringing together over 200 young people from across Belfast and involving them in the 2012 Games.

"Witnessing their rehearsals today, it is clear that Northern Ireland's plans to secure the cultural and community benefits and opportunities from the Games are progressing at an excellent pace."

(BMcC)