Hundreds of London schoolchildren got a taste of what it would be like to compete in the Olympics, when they took part in a huge sports event organised by Lloyd’s Community Programme (LCP).
Yesterday the LCP celebrated its 20th anniversary by organising the Lloyd’s Games for around 500 children between the ages of eight and 10, from 13 of the programme’s partner schools in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.
The event took place at Mile End Park Leisure Centre & Stadium operated by GLL.
Around 80 people from the Lloyd’s market volunteered to act as scorers, team captains, team managers or sports organisers at the event.
Biggest event to date
The Lloyd’s Games is the biggest event organised to date by the LCP, with more than twice as many children competing than at any previous event.
The children took part in eight sports, many of which will feature when the Olympics come to London in 2012, including track and field events, football, hockey, handball and volleyball. The event culminated in a multi-sport relay final.
Each of the children received a Lloyd’s Games Medal and the winning team from English Martyrs won sports equipment worth £350.
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Celebrating community network
John Spencer, a member of the LCP Board, said: “The LCP is better known for its literacy and numeracy programmes in primary schools in east London. But for our twentieth anniversary we wanted an event to celebrate our longstanding and deepening ties with these schools through sports, using the Olympic theme.
“It also gives kids the opportunities to try other sports, which might trigger an enthusiasm that they could take forward in some way.”
Ben Wiggins, an assistant underwriter at Lloyd’s insurer Sportscover, was one of the volunteers at the Games.
He said: “We provide cover every day for people taking part in amateur sports, so when we saw it advertised we wanted to get involved. It represents the ethos of our business and allows us to work with kids in the area. It’s been hectic, but it’s been great fun.”
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Teaching team spirit
Monjur Ali, a schoolteacher at Cayley Primary School in Stepney, whose children participated, says: “It’s been fantastic. All the kids loved it. Having the children here from other schools made a real difference. The kids get to enjoy themselves more and having so many volunteers allows the kids to have new teachers, rather than the ones they see every day.”
The games helped teach the children some important skills, says Monjur. “It’s fun and enjoyable and has shown the children teamwork and cooperation. It’s also motivation for them and I think they will remember that when they go back to school."
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About the community programme
Established in 1989, Lloyd’s Community Programme is one of the longest running community involvement schemes in the City of London. It gives people and companies who work within the Lloyd’s market the opportunity to help improve the lives of east London inhabitants, which remains one of the most deprived areas in the country despite bordering one of the world’s leading financial centres.
The programme, which is supported by people from over 65 businesses within the Lloyd’s market, has worked to boost educational achievement within the borough’s schools, help create employment and regenerate the area.
