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Londoners are being offered the opportunity to become sports officials in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The London Development Agency and Sport England are running a skills development programme for people aged 16 and over who want to support grass roots sport as a volunteer in one of 17 Olympic or Paralympic disciplines.

‘Official Sports London’ works with National Governing Bodies of those sports to help people gain a recognised qualification and 15 hours officiating experience in roles including being a referee, umpire, line judge, scorer and timekeeper. Those with appropriate national experience may be given the chance to improve their skills to the level that they might be eligible for a role at the 2012 Games.

The programme has been set up to help Londoners gain valuable employment skills while at the same time helping to support the development of grassroots sport. More information can be found at www.officialsports.org 

Tom Russell, Group Director for Olympic Legacy at the London Development Agency, said:

“Increasing training opportunities and developing grassroots sport participation are fundamental parts of providing a legacy now from the 2012 Games. With sports governing bodies needing more and more officials there is a real opportunity for Londoners to get trained and get involved.

“Official Sports provides a unique opportunity to get involved in the excitement of the 2012 Games, and maybe a chance to be part of the Games themselves.”

Phil Smith, Sport England’s Director of Sport, said:

“Increasing the quality and quantity of sports officials in London will create more opportunities for Londoners to play and enjoy sport. The capital needs more referees and officials, so I would urge anyone with an interest in sport to get involved. You don’t need to be a top player or athlete, you just need enthusiasm and a commitment to making a difference - so that you can help other Londoners get into sport.”

The Mayor's Sports Commissioner, Kate Hoey, said:

"The shortage of officials is a major issue for grass roots sport, both in London and nationally. It is certainly something that we will be seeking to address through the Mayor’s forthcoming legacy plan for grass roots sport. It is encouraging to see the LDA and Sport England taking a lead on this and I am fully supportive of the programme. As well as the obvious sporting benefits, the skills learnt as an official are an asset in many other facets of life and I would encourage everyone to sign up and take part."

Seb Coe, Chair of London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games said:

“Official Sports is helping to realise our vision of the 2012 Games to encouraging more young people to take up sport. With more qualified officials the opportunities in the capital will increase for well organised and ultimately more enjoyable grassroots competition for athletes and spectators alike.”

Course participants are also put in contact with the National Governing Bodies of those sports during the course so they can use their new qualifications and experience at events and competitions.

So far 17 people have completed the programme with around 100 people signed up. They include Luana Valentini, 32, from Sutton, a building site manager who is training to be a Volleyball line judge, and former Paralympian Justin Frishberg, 37, from Harrow who has completed a Wheelchair Rugby Entry to Officiating Course.

Luana, who was a line judge at a recent Australia v New Zealand volleyball match in Tooting, said:

“Volleyball is a fantastic sport and I wanted to get involved in supporting its development in the UK. I am already volunteering as a line judge through the Official Sports programme and I hope that other people will sign up and see just how rewarding it is.”

Justin said:

“Every sport needs officials and it is important that people are given the support so they can get involved. My sport, wheelchair rugby, is just a great environment to be around and anyone thinking of getting involved should come down and watch a games to see how exciting and enjoyable it is. After playing for so long I want to stay involved through refereeing and Official Sports have given me the opportunity to do that.”

• If you are over 16-years-old, live in the 33 London boroughs and interested in taking part in Official Sports visit www.officialsports.org or email admin@officialsports.org or call 020 7749 9173.

Note for media: Case studies are available for interviews along with the head of the Official Sports London programme at the LDA.

For further information contact Andreas Christophorou at LDA Media Team 020 7593 8444, LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020 7593 9000

Notes to Editors

• The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.
• Official Sports helps to meet course costs, transport costs, membership/licence, equipment, accommodation, clothing and childcare costs. There are 600 places in the three year programme.
• The sports are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Equestrianism - show jumping, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming (Open Water, Synchronised, Water Polo, Paralympic Swimming, Diving), Table tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and Wrestling.