Above: Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee.

‘Who Do We Think We Are?' A question that can be interpreted in many ways and a question that I am sure will lead to much debate this week.

Exploring the issues of identity and diversity through group work is not easy. However, it is through dialogue and discussion that we hopefully reach a greater understanding of the differences between individuals and our shared experiences, backgrounds and aspirations.

‘Who Do We Think We Are?' gives our children and young people a chance to explore their identity and celebrate the things they share beyond immediate perceptions of difference.

Our vision for London 2012 is to stage Games that celebrate the spirit and the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movement. The values of Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Inspiration, Determination, Courage and Equality are more than simply values to adopt on the field of play. They are values for life.

We want the Games to inspire change in young people and we want to encourage them to take the lead in devising and delivering activity in our forthcoming Education Programme. Focused weeks such as ‘Who Do We Think We Are?' provide both a platform for exploring ways to change behaviours and an opportunity for our young people to pause for thought and contemplate ‘who they are'.

The UK's community strength and potential to inspire the next generation is at the heart of the London 2012 vision. They help us stand apart from other host cities. Both are reflected in the richness and variety of the content of London 2012's four year Cultural and Education programmes that will start after the Beijing Games have concluded this summer. There will be something for everyone.

The London 2012 Games will showcase the very best of competitive sport - 26 Olympic Sports and 20 Paralympic Sports - set against the backdrop of modern Britain. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the most potent collective demonstration of human endeavour and an opportunity for positive social change.

One of the best ways to help ensure the social benefits are realised is to identify role models from within our communities to inspire the next generation. Our journey to the summer of sporting competition in 2012 provides us all with an opportunity like no other to draw on real life experiences of being the best we can. Whether we work in construction, business, journalism, teaching, volunteering, sports coaching or cultural life we can encourage our children and young people to think not just ‘Who Do We Think We Are?' but ‘I Want To Be Doing Some Of That' and ‘What Do I Need To Do To Get To Be Doing It?'

Written by
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee
Date published: 24th June 2008

London 2012 website: http://www.london2012.com
London 2012 Education Programme: http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/education/
Find out what is going on at London 2012 HQ - http://blog.london2012.com/

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