About:
The Big Opportunity project was founded in 2006 and closed on 30 September 2011. Over the last six years it has helped the London Voluntary and Community Sector make the most of the opportunities provided by the London 2012 Games and gives them a voice in shaping a sustainable legacy.
Goal:
Our objective was to ensure that the Games are inclusive as well as inspirational, and that they leave a lasting sustainable legacy.
Funder:
The City Bridge Trust
Timeline:
The Big Opportunity was launched in 2006 and closed in on 30 September 2011 when the City Bridge funding came to an end.
Legacy
The Big Opportunity website is still live at www.thebigopportunity.org.uk. Visit http://www.thebigopportunity.org.uk/research–policy.html to view research on the impact of past Games and reports on the progress of London 2012 and plans for the legacy.
London Funders www.londonfunders.org.uk are taking forward The Big Opportunity’s work, investigating if London can establish an independent endowed legacy fund to support community sport in Greater London, taking the LA84 Foundation as its inspiration.
The Big Opportunity Final Evaluation Report is now available to download, analysing the achievements and impact of the project over the last five years.
Additional information:
The Big Opportunity Steering Group included 21 of London’s leading voluntary and community sector organisations and was chaired by Toynbee Hall. The full list of steering group members is available here. This website also contains information on how communities can make the most out of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit http://www.thebigopportunity.org.uk/research–policy.html for research on the impact of past Games and reports on the progress on London 2012 and plans for the legacy.
The wider Big Opportunity network represented 1.5 million Londoners through more than 800 organisations. Prior to establishing The Big Opportunity, London Civic Forum worked with the London 2012 bid team to develop a community engagement strategy to promote the benefits of hosting the Games to Londoners and provide a link between London2012 and the capital’s communities.
The programme provided information on the opportunities presented by the Games and highlighted how to influence the development of a lasting legacy through:
- An e-bulletin produced in partnership with London Voluntary Service Council and published six times per year
- An e-mail response service
- A free phone line
- A website at www.thebigopportunity.org.uk
- A library of games-related research at: www.thebigopportunity.org.uk/research–policy.html
The Big Opportunity programme and its work was managed by London Civic Forum, and as part of the organisation, has developed resources that include:
Community Gains from the Games: The Big Opportunity Manifesto (8 page pdf) or short leaflet (2 page pdf).
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Jargon Buster download
