Sir Charles Allen visits Freddies as part of the London 2012 Olympics build up – 09/05/12
As part of the build up to the 2012 Olympics, Sir Charles Allen CBE dropped in to Fred Longworth High School today.
His visit was part of a tour of the North West where he visited projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympics. He was treated to a variety of Drama and Musical performances, which culminated in a ‘flashmob’ performance from over one hundred Nowt2Do? dancers.
The visit was arranged following a glowing report from triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards after his visit to the school in March. He fed back to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and commented, “I am absolutely blown away with the amazing work going on and it has been one of my favourite school visits. There is a fantastic atmosphere and energy amongst everyone”.
Sir Charles Allen is the Chair of LOCOG’s Nations and Regions Group, responsible for bringing about the UK-wide benefits of the Games, and was appointed to LOCOG’s Audit Committee in May 2011 and the Ceremonies Committee in July 2010. He is Chairman of the Join In Trust and was previously Vice-Chairman of the London 2012 bid company. His business career ranges from steel to hotels. He is especially known for his contribution to the media industry, having played a key role in the development of ITV, EMI and Global Radio. Charles chaired the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 and he is Chairman of Global Radio Group, Chairman of 2 Sisters Food Group and a member of the Boards of Directors of Virgin Media, Endemol and GET. He is also a Senior Advisor to Goldman Sachs. Charles has been Chairman of Granada and EMI Music, a member of the Board of Directors of Tesco plc, CEO of ITV and Chief Adviser to the Home Office.
Sir Charles was greeted by Headteacher Jan Garretts and School Based Police Officer PC Andy Wright, who set up the extra-curricular Nowt2Do? project, and he was extremely impressed with the atmosphere of the school and the commitment and talent of the students and said they were truly inspiring.
Speaking to the students he said “Jonathan Edwards, my deputy, said that this was an absolutely fantastic school and it’s great to follow in his footsteps and see it for myself. This is about exceptional people doing exceptional things – it’s about inspiration and that’s why the project is called Inspire. Whether it’s Arts, Sport, Cooking or Culture it’s truly inspirational seeing this talent on show today. The Olympics and Paralympics are a once in a lifetime experience and I hope you’re all going to be involved in it. The torch event comes to the North West soon and I hope you get chance to see it and you find something that the Olympics inspires you to do”.
Headteacher Jan Garretts said ““It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Sir Charles to Fred Longworth High School, especially to be chosen from all the schools in the North West to represent the Olympic Inspire project. Our students certainly proved that creativity and talent are thriving in Tyldesley!”
Andy Worthington, Chair of the North West Steering Group for the 2012 Games, said: “Groups across the Northwest have embraced the Olympic values and interpreted them in their own innovative ways. The Nowt2do project is an excellent example of our communities in action and they will no doubt leave behind a legacy for future generations.”