International Olympic Games - Department of Education, Northern Ireland

International Olympic Games

The International Olympic and Paralympic Games are a spectacular series of events which aim to excite and inspire us all. The Department hopes to maximise the educational benefits of the 2012 Games for young people in school and youth settings. The Department wants to secure an education legacy beyond 2012 by using the power of the Games to energise everything we do in education.

We want the Games to have a long term impact on the lives of learners. The Games can help to -

Boost healthier living and the active participation of children and young people in sport/ PE

Support young people to make healthy living choices

Help address young people's under-achievement and dissaffection

Better equip young people in a global society by helping them take a more outward looking approach to other countries

Support the promotion of Olympic ideals or doing ones best, fair play and cultural understanding

Support inclusion and encourage positive views of disability, diversity and community cohesion

Encourage young people to make a positive contribution to the community; for example through volunteering

In this section of the website you will find information about programmes and events surrounding the Games. Over the next few months we will be developing our website to provide more information on the 2012 Games.

Letter to Early Years, Youth and Schools Sectors

The Minister for Education issued a letter in October 2008 to the early years, youth and schools sectors encouraging children and young people to participate in the International Olympic Games in 2012 and use this unique opportunity to raise expectations for themselves and their communities.

The letter is available below in the following formats :-