The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) announced that International Inspiration, London 2012’s international legacy programme, has launched in Ethiopia. The programme was officially launched with the signing of an agreement between the Ethiopian and the UK Government at the British Embassy, and was marked by 4,000 local children participating in a race in association with the organisers of the Great Ethiopian Run. International Inspiration will use sport to promote inclusion in Ethiopia by reaching girls and marginalised children, and will enable schools in theUKandEthiopiato link and share culture and learning.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie attended the launch and said: ‘Communities are brought together through sport and play, and I’m thrilled that International Inspiration will be working with the Ethiopian Government to ensure schools and communities are engaging young people in physical education, sport and play.’

The programme is bringing to life the promise made by the London 2012 bid team to reach young people all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games. LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: ‘Our vision from the outset was to use the power of the Games to inspire change – engaging and inspiring the youth of the world through sport. International Inspiration is that vision and I am delighted that children and young people acrossEthiopia will be able to benefit from the programme.’
The programme is delivered around the world by the British Council, UNICEFUK and UK Sport. InEthiopia, the programme is funded by a mixture of organisations, including the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID).