East End charity’s Olympic joy

AN East End charity aimed at raising participation levels in sport has felt the benefit of London 2012 after receiving business advice from Olympic sponsors, writes Matthew Riding.

Access Sport, based two miles away from Olympic Park, in Bethnal Green, was chosen to be part of the Legacy for London project as it works with sports clubs in disadvantaged areas.

David Boorman, 29, Fundraising Director for Access Sport, says help from Olympic sponsors including Llloyds TSB and Barclaycard, through the Pilotlight charity initiative, has helped the charity to move forward.

“We support community sports clubs in disadvantaged areas and the Olympic sponsors have helped us to become more efficient in the work we do.

“We work with the volunteers within those clubs to reach out to more kids. Through the help of our sponsors, we have shrunk down in size to provide a better service”, said Boorman.

Access Sport is funded through the National Lottery, Sport England, and a number of ambassadors including double Olympic rowing champion, James Cracknell, and Premier League star, Jermaine Jenas.

As well as Access Sport, other charities in the nine London Olympic boroughs including Aanchal Women’s Aid, Alcohol Concern Tower Hamlets and StreetGames UK, have felt the benefit of the Olympics.

In the last two years, more than 1,000 hours have been given by London 2012 sponsors to the charities, and the future looks bright:

“Sports clubs in disadvantaged areas are so important to the local community. They provide children with the opportunity to free their mind and get out there and get active”, added Boorman.

The Games begin on July 27 with millions expected to watch around the world.

* For more information on Access Sport, visit the website