Supported by BP, Open Weekend will run from 23-25 July 2010.
This year we are asking organisers to create a challenge for the public to be involved in. It could be creating an artwork in just 24 hours, a sporting-themed treasure hunt or a mass aerobics session.
Ian Barham, the Buckinghamshire Manager for the 2012 Games said “For the 2010 Buckinghamshire county wide challenge we are looking for people living or working in Bucks to get creative and produce an original piece of poetry or prose inspired by one or more of the Olympic or Paralympic values of determination, courage, respect, friendship, excellence, inspiration and equality. It doesn’t matter how long or complex your work is, it just needs to be inspired by one of the seven values. Keep it brief and try a traditional Japanese Hiaku, make us giggle with a Limerick or sharpen your pencils and attempt a traditional epic. We will be providing special London 2012 prizes for the best for the best adult and junior entries and will be publishing a selection of the works on the www.buckssport.org/2012 website”. Send us your Olympic or Paralympic inspired pieces to ibarham[at]bucks2012.org Closing date for entries July 26th
Amongst the other activities already planned in Buckinghamshire is a weekend of challenges and activities in the Aylesbury Town Centre including a special carnival on Saturday 24th July with live music, craft activities, traditional fun fair stalls and a variety of sporting games and on Sunday 25th a town centre fun run and a mass dance taking place in Market Square. For more information please visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/getinvolved
or call 01296 585310
The weekend also features the launch of the Discovering Places programme which is encouraging people to discover the hidden gems on their doorstep and by learning more about their natural or built environment. Discovering Places is a UK-wide campaign giving participants the opportunity to discover, explore, be inspired by and benefit from the UK's hidden gems – historic and contemporary buildings, public spaces and natural places in and around the cities, towns and villages where they live and work.
Online Registration for both events is now open so click here to see how you can get involved Online registration
London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: The London 2012 Open Weekend is something we developed to help people see, touch, hear and take part in new things to spark interest and enthusiasm in the run up to the Games in 2012. 'This year we’re adding an exciting ‘challenge’ element, so I’m looking forward to seeing what event organisers come up with as we approach the two years to go countdown on 27 July this year.