Spectacular London 2012 artwork launched
Published Wednesday 2nd June 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Inventive children and young people in Southend have got together to create exceptional artwork inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Their exhibits have transformed the hoardings surrounding the new Garon Park pool at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre where they will be officially unveiled at 10am on Wednesday 9th June.
Local artist Debbie Hadley led the project, which involved students from Cecil Jones High School , Temple Sutton Primary School , Kingsdown Special School and young people from Connexions, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's youth service.
Each group was allocated several large boards measuring 24m by 12m on which they designed and created sporting scenes. Between them they have devised 25 boards.
To help with their endeavours the groups were visited by two key athletes who talked about their careers. These included Jenny Copnall, the five times British Mountain Bike Champion, and Lottie Thompson, the English Schools Diving Championship winner in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Lottie is aiming for the Olympic squad in 2016, and the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Both have been invited to attend the Art on the Hoardings launch event along with lead artist Debbie, representatives of the schools and youth group who made the artwork and local councillors.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, Councillor Derek Jarvis, said: "This tremendous project, supported by Southend-on-Sea Legacy 2012, has enabled children and young people to work with each other and with a talented artist to bring out their creative potential, as well as giving them the opportunity to meet top athletes - terrific role models.
"This collaboration has led to this really vibrant artwork which has brought these hoardings vividly to life."
For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702 215000 ext 5505 or email media@southend.gov.uk