A new exhibition of photographs is showcasing the power of sport to inspire both disabled and non-disabled children and highlighting the achievements of a key London 2012 international programme.
The exhibition in London shows how the International Inspiration “sports legacy” programme has used inclusive sport, play and physical education to address some of the issues that affect young people across the world, such as gang violence and gender inequality.
The Inspired by Sport exhibition includes pictures by famed photographer Rankin of leading athletes – both current and retired – such as Paralympian Baroness [Tanni] Grey-Thompson, Lord [Seb] Coe, Denise Lewis and Louise Hazel.
These pictures feature alongside others taken by international photographers of young people around the world who have taken part in International Inspiration.
The International Inspiration programme, supported by organisations including UNICEF, the British Council, UK Sport, and the British Paralympic Association, aims to “use the power of sport to enrich the lives of millions of children and young people of all abilities in schools and communities across the world”, particularly in developing countries.
London 2012 pledged that its programme would reach 12 million children in 20 countries – including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Uganda – a target achieved in February.
Paralympians Baroness Grey-Thompson and Oscar Pistorius have both taken part in the programme.
Baroness Grey-Thompson visited a project in Jordan where disabled and non-disabled children took part together in inclusive sport and play, while Pistorius visited Tanzania.
In a video produced to mark the launch of the exhibition, Baroness Grey-Thompson tells how watching her daughter Carys win a race in her first school swimming championships “felt like it was an Olympic gold medal”, while Pistorius describes how he is inspired by watching women’s powerlifting.
The Inspired by Sport exhibition runs until 13 May at the Museum of London, and entry is free.
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