Language strategy recommendations for the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

27 November 2008

A report published recently by RintoL recommends the language initiatives needed to ensure Britain is a generous host not only for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but other international events.

Key points from the report include the importance of Higher Education involvement:

• The HE languages sector should be seen as an official training services provider for the linguistic and intercultural skills sought for 2012.
• HE language departments have the knowledge and expertise to develop the national role of languages.
• HE institutions are well placed to implement intercultural training.
• In exceeding the expectations of the Olympic Charter and the global community in terms of languages provision for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, HE language departments will provide a sustainable and lasting cultural, social and economic legacy.

The report also stresses the impact of volunteers and how important it will be to have volunteers with language skills:

• Up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed to stage the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• The report recommends the establishment of a regional/national database of Language Specialist Volunteers with linguistic and intercultural skills for international events.
• Those involved will see how highly their language and cultural skills are valued in wider communities across the UK - improving social cohesion.
• Recruitment for Games-time volunteers starts in 2010, when the official London 2012 Volunteer Programme launches.

In the build up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games there will be many ways to get involved and, in particular, to bring sport and education together. The official London 2012 Education Programme launched on 17 September 2008 and aims to capture the imagination of young people around the world. The programme is aimed at:

• Schools - using the Games in the classroom and wider activities to make learning more relevant, interesting and fun!
• Colleges and Universities - there will be special programmes to involve students, with some institutions providing additional services to support the Games.

The following websites can provide you with more information:

Official website of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

London 2012 Education Programme

RLN London's Welcoming the World

2012 Games news and opportunities in the South West