We can also look forward to some key sporting events this year, including the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Rio.
Many of our Wiltshire sportsmen and women will be competing and we wish them the very best of luck. Although they have got to Rio as a result of their exceptional talent, I hope our funding grants from the Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, which local businesses have supported so enthusiastically, has helped to smooth their path.
Setting up the foundation was just one of the initiatives we delivered as part of the Legacy for Wiltshire programme, which started following the positive impact of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I can’t believe that it has been four years since the Games were held in the UK and we all welcomed the Olympic torch as it passed through Wiltshire.
The Legacy programme will be drawing to a close this year, but in true Olympic spirit we will be going out with a bang as it heads towards the finish line, with a host of community and business events taking place over the next few months.
The programme has achieved what we hoped it would – it will leave a real legacy that means the Olympic spirit of 2012 will continue in many ways into the future and is way more than just sporting events.
What difference have we made? Well, our Wiltshire Business and Sports fundraising Gala Dinner is now a regular fixture, supporting the county’s current and future sporting stars to become Olympians and Paralympians, and there have been many events across the county to encourage everyone – not just the exceptionally talented ones – to be healthier and more active and doing this in a fun way.
One of Legacy’s biggest successes has been The Big Pledge, which this year sets out the Road to Rio challenge, encouraging participants to complete 20 stages on the journey from London to Rio. This is a fun but challenging way for all of us to improve our health and wellbeing. We now realise the huge benefits of keeping ourselves fit and healthy; it helps with our mental wellbeing and to combat many conditions and diseases as well as keeping us younger for longer; and, it’s so much more enjoyable when you have a goal or can take part as a team.
Next Thursday (20 April) I’m looking forward to attending the Wiltshire Business Expo, being held in Salisbury as part of the city’s well established Big Business Event. 98 businesses will be showcased in the Market Square and inspiring workshops, seminars and speakers have been scheduled. This popular event helps to boost the local economy and promote local businesses and suppliers.
Local communities across the county are making plans to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in June by holding street parties. Just recently hundreds of local people came together to take part in litter pick-ups as part of the Clean for the Queen events which have helped to make Wiltshire even more beautiful in readiness for this national event. I’m sure the street parties will be great fun and a fitting way to mark a milestone birthday for our monarch.
I’m sure the events this year will leave lasting memories – just like those that I can still recall so vividly the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games year four years ago. I’m off to start my Road to Rio challenge and I hope to see you on route!
Jane
