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Carrying the Torch - research report reveals East Londoners' opinions of 2012 bid

Monday 20 February 2006

Carrying the Torch for East London, a detailed investigation into local people’s attitudes to the London bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was launched on Sunday 5 February by the London East Research Institute at UEL.

Gold medal winning athlete Tessa Sanderson OBE, who is now setting up a sports academy for young people in Newham, joined UEL staff, students and partners to help launch the first phase report at The Big Sunday event at ExCeL London, which attracted over 30,000 visitors.

Working with Leaside Regeneration, researchers from the London East Research Institute at the University of East London (UEL) are beginning a long-term study on the impact on local communities of the various developments taking place in their midst - a factor which will play a crucial role in the success or failure of the London 2012 Olympiad.

The report includes the results of a pilot study into the attitudes and opinions of long-term residents, young people, community workers and youth workers in the lower Lea Valley, interviewed both before and after London was announced as the winner of the IOC vote in July last year.

The study found that young people are in general much more positive about the prospect of the Games than their elders, though many older interviewees did express the hope that younger generations might benefit from the Olympic effect.

Among young people between 13 and 18 years old, girls appeared to be generally more conscious of the wider, long-term, social and environmental aspects of the Games, whereas boys were more focussed on the immediate opportunities in terms of jobs and the thrill of being part of a major international event.

Professor Phil Cohen, Director of the London East Research Institute said: “This is the first step towards a larger study on the social, cultural and economic impact which the delivery of the Games will make on the lives of East Londoners between now and 2012 - and beyond. As independent researchers, we need to listen carefully to what people have to say, and explore their anxieties as well as aspirations about the Games. We believe that taking local people’s views on board is vital if we want to deliver the best possible result for East London.”

Paul Brickell, Chief Executive of Leaside Regeneration, said: “The 2012 Games are not only an opportunity to accelerate the physical transformation of East London but also to showcase the extraordinary richness of its cultures and the energy and creativity of its people. The voices in this report begin to explore what a ‘good Games’ might mean.”

The ‘Carrying the Torch’ consultation continues with a public forum on the evening of 7th March at Stratford Old Town Hall. For details and a copy of the report contact 020 8223 2544 or email leri@uel.ac.uk.

Ends/.

Notes for editors: For a pdf copy of the report email leri@uel.ac.uk

The ‘Carrying the Torch’ public debate is on 7th March 2006 at Stratford Old Town Hall, the Broadway, E15 4BQ from 6pm.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Tessa Sanderson OBE with Professor Phil Cohen and UEL students at the launch

Leaside Regeneration is a young, highly-skilled company, established in 1998 with a mission to deliver innovative and exemplary sustainable regeneration. Our team members embrace many different disciplines and unite to bring fresh thinking and enthusiasm to complex and difficult regeneration issues. At the heart of our work is the close relationship we build with local communities and partner organisations, working together to create joined-up solutions that encompass social and economic regeneration as well as the built environment around us.

The University of East London (UEL) is now rated London’s leading modern (post-1992) university, and among the top five modern universities in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2005/06. UEL is a global learning community, with 18,000 students from over 100 countries world-wide.

Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of our diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.  www.uel.ac.uk

London East Research Institute draws upon a broad range of disciplines, and is developing innovative programmes of research, teaching and community outreach. Projects currently underway include a major longitudinal study into changing patterns of population movement in Inner East London and Essex, a study into affordable housing in Thames Gateway,  the London City Airport Impact Study, the EU-funded Promoting Gender Equality in Transport project, East meets East, a study of the impact of the widening of EU membership on patterns of immigration into Newham from Eastern Europe, and Well Bad: Health Promotion Strategies and Young People in East London.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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