The London Olympics should be used to help local kids get fit, encourage more people to be involved in culture and boost the economy, a new report from Islington Council says. <br><br>The borough's "Olympic Vision" outlines how Islington hopes to capitalise on the 2012 Games and bring fresh opportunities for volunteering, training and employment in the borough. <br><br>Kings Cross/St Pancras station will be a major access route to the Olympic Village providing many opportunities for Islington, according to the report. <br><br>Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure and Equalities, said: "We're not one of the Olympic boroughs but there's a vast number of ways that Islington residents can benefit from the Games, and we want to make the most of this opportunity. <br><br>"We want to make sure that the Olympics provide something of lasting benefit for our residents, so this plan sets out what we want from the Games and how we will use the next four years to ensure that we can get the most for our borough. <br><br>"Plans are already under way to redevelop our three major leisure centres in time for 2012 and we have a programme of activities across this summer to celebrate the Olympics coming to London."<br><br>The report, which is due to be presented at next week's Executive, says the Games are also expected to bring new jobs, boost the local economy – and help inspire people and raise aspirations. <br><br>It concludes that, by the year 2013 "the quality of life for all our residents, and most particularly for those living in our poorest communities, will be improved significantly as a legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games". <br><br>ENDS <br><br>For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009