Kendal College welcomed to London 2012’s Get Set network

14 April 2010

Pupils and lecturers at Kendal College celebrated yesterday when they were officially welcomed in to London 2012’s Get Set Network, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values.

Students who completed the skills for jobs course at Kendal College
Andy Lord pictured with Sarah Case-Upton (North West Inspire Programmer for 2012 Games).

The students were finalists in a college equality and diversity competition held at Kendal College, with their entry focusing on the promotion of equality and diversity in sport. Kendal College is the 12th college nationally and only the 3rd in the North West to receive this award.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) awarded sports lecturer Andrew Lord a plaque and certificate to acknowledge the students’ involvement in the London 2012 education programme. They now join schools and colleges across the UK as members of the special London 2012 community – the Get Set network - and will receive access to exclusive competitions and 2012 Games related opportunities over the coming years.

Gareth Smith, Head of Podium, the further and higher education unit for 2012 games, who presented Kendal College with the plaque and certificate, said: Kendal College are excellent examples of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people’s imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference. They have clearly demonstrated that London 2012’s education programme extends far beyond PE and sport and I hope they will motivate other young people to join their journey.’

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said: “When London won the right to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we made a clear promise to use the power of the 2012 Games to inspire young people.
“I am proud to welcome Kendal College in to the Get Set network for their exciting work around the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of inspiration, courage, determination and equality.”

The students: Janet Holt, Jenna Haygarth, Dayle Saint, Steffan Lewis and Terry Brennand were finalists in the Kendal College equality and diversity competition, which saw students create a variety of presentations and displays to highlight their understanding of equality and diversity. Their entry, which was selected as a winner based on student votes, focused on equality and diversity in competitive sports.

College principal Graham Wilkinson said: “This is fantastic news. Being situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park the college has a growing number of sport and outdoor education courses and it is excellent to see our students promoting core values of equality and diversity in this important area ”.

To earn the right to use the new education logo, and become a member of the new Get Set network, schools and colleges need to register with Get Set, showcase their student-led work around the Values via the dedicated ‘Get Set’ blog, and complete a short application form. They will receive the right to use the London 2012 education logo on their headed paper, website and school sign.

Almost half the schools and colleges across the UK are already registered as using the Get Set resources - or taking part in the initiatives promoted through the eight key themes of Get Set.

The education logo was designed by Reiss Evans (18), a design student from Canterbury College, who won a national competition in September 2009 to create an education-themed infill for the London 2012 Olympic logo.

For more information about the growing range of sports and outdoor courses available at Kendal College, see this website or call student services on 012539 814700.