Churches to be educated on Olympics

The day, which offers a choice of eleven practical workshops, is organised by More Than Gold, the charity set up to help churches serve their communities and international visitors through the Games.

More Than Gold’s UK Director, Jon Burns, said: “With the Olympic Torch being hosted across Horsham in the final part of its national tour in July, we want to help the churches to play their part. And not just for the Torch Relay but for the Games themselves.”

The training day, called ‘Get Set’, is from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday February 4 at Crawley Baptist Church.

The choice of workshops includes how churches can run a community festival, and use sport to engage with people of every age.

Other subjects cover how to support the Torch Relay, how to respond to Games-related issues such as homelessness and fair trade, and how to be inclusive for those with disabilities.

The Crawley event is the first in a series of seventeen ‘Get Set’ days throughout the UK. They cost £10 per person with registration at morethangold.org.uk/getset

Jon Burns added: “Churches play a central role in their communities and across the UK they are already planning sports and arts festivals, children’s clubs and youth cafés specifically connected to the 2012 Games. These ‘Get Set’ days give them the help needed to be at their very best.

“Churches should send their key people involved with children, youth, community engagement and outreach, they will gain practical insights from past Games and skills to use for years to come.”