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Languages Work

The national information resource on careers with languages

London 2012

A world class athlete. A bus driver. A shop assistant. What do they all have in common?

Well, firstly they’ll all be playing their part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And secondly, even a few words of another language will help them to succeed in their chosen careers.

London 2012 is getting more people involved in the Games than ever before, and yes, that means you!

2010 saw the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) teaming up with the Languages and Film Talent Awards (LAFTAs) to create a special London 2012 category. The judges were looking for video clips which:

  • Show the importance of languages to the London 2012 Games, or
  • Relate to the Olympic and Paralympic Values

The videos were judged by world champion athlete and LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe. What’s more, LOCOG offered a fantastic prize for the best video clip - a trip to the Olympic Village in London and a visit to the winning school from a world class athlete!

All shortlisted clips in this category were shown on the GetSet website.

To find out more about London 2012 and the Olympic and Paralympic values, check out the GetSet website. For some ideas about who will be using languages at London 2012, take a look at our Languages in the Olympics factsheet.

The Inspire mark
The LAFTAs London 2012 category was granted the prestigious London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

The Inspire programme is run by LOCOG, and is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games – a broad participation programme spanning sport participation, education, sustainability, volunteering, and business opportunities and skills. New opportunities are being created to inspire young people and encourage the whole of the UK to join in.

To find out about more opportunities for your school to get involved, visit the GetSet website.

So what are you waiting for? On your marks, get set, go!

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