Today is UK Inspire Day, which is a celebration of the London 2012 Inspire programme – a family of more than 2700 projects across the UK that have been inspired by the Games to do something special in their local communities.

In the East of England, 225 exceptional projects have been awarded the coveted Inspire mark to become part of the London 2012 Inspire programme that has already given 10 million people across the UK an opportunity to join in with Games-inspired activity and try something new.

The Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Seb Coe, said: “UK Inspire Day is a time for us to celebrate the achievements of the London 2012 Inspire projects. Over 2700 exceptional projects across the country have been awarded the Inspire mark in recognition of the important contribution they have made to bring the spirit of the Games into local communities. It’s an amazing achievement and I would like to thank the Eastern region for the part they have played in the programme and look forward to witnessing how their events and celebrations will continue to inspire the UK this summer.”

The projects span the themes of sport, culture, education, business, volunteering and sustainability.

In Essex, more than 200 people have signed up for the Active Plus Games in Rochford. The project is for the over 50s, who are encouraged to take part in free sport and physical activity sessions like swimming, fitness and chair-fit sessions and Nordic walking.

London 2012 Inspire Programmer for the East of England, Joseph Ballard, said: “We’ve a great variety of projects across the East of England, from smaller projects focused on increasing community engagement to larger county-wide initiatives that involve regional and national partners.

The UK won the bid to host the Games based on the promise we would all use the inspiration of the Olympic movement to animate the whole of the country. The Inspire programme has demonstrated this and we’ve made 2012 a year to be proud of. There are so many different activities and events that have sprung from Games-inspiration and I urge people to check them out and have a go – for what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity in a host-country.” 

For more information on regional Games-related activity, check out www.risingtothechallengeeast.co.uk

London 2012 also has its own What’s On calendar which is capturing events across the county, find out what’s happening in your local area by using www.london2012.com/join-in