Join in Local Sport Weekend - 18 to 19 August

18 and 19 August 2012, the first weekend after the Olympics and before the Paralympics, will be the weekend to turn up, take part, join in and support your local sports clubs.

Inspired by London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, millions of people across the UK will have a unique opportunity to join in local sport during a weekend that will give an Olympic and Paralympic boost to sports clubs across the whole of the UK.

'Join in Local Sport' was launched on in May with the specific aim of getting as many people as possible to turn up, take part and join in at their local sports facilities.

Local sports groups will be able to take advantage of this unique moment, creating a shop window within their community for the opportunities there are for people inspired by the Games to help out, give time, support, watch or play sport. The 'Join in' weekend will also enable clubs to convert this once in a lifetime wave of interest into a sustainable future of help, support and membership from their local community.

David Moorcroft, Director for Sport at 'Join in', said, "I'm delighted to be part of 'Join in'. Local clubs are where it all begins, from the first time you run round the track, to the person who manages the pitch bookings, to the coach who pushes you to go that little bit further and faster. I know the Olympics and Paralympics are going to inspire people to get involved like never before. 'Join in' will make sure we don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity."

'Join in' is building a website which provides a place for clubs to register and advertise their event, where they will find practical advice to help them make the most of the weekend.

Before and during Games time, the 'Join in' team will use every marketing and social media technique available to encourage everyone to offer support to their local groups on the weekend of 18 and 19 August.

Over the last few weeks, 'Join in' has been meeting with representatives of sports councils across the regions and nations of the UK, and we have been delighted with the support we have already received for this project.

Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive, Sport Northern Ireland, said, "We know that the Olympics and Paralympics will generate an unprecedented enthusiasm for sport. The 'Join In' weekend is a fantastic opportunity for sports clubs in Northern Ireland to make sure we harness that enthusiasm for sport for the future."

Seb Coe, Chair of London 2012 Organising Committee, said, "We are really happy to support the 'Join In' project, it is a great idea that means that thousands of people across the UK can turn up and take part in local sports just after the Olympic Games finishes. Millions will be inspired by what they witness over the summer and I hope this creates opportunities in every community for people to join in their local sports clubs."

'Join In Local Sport' is a not for profit company, initially funded by government grant.  Further information in Northern Ireland can be found at www.sportni.net.