You could inspire the next Hampshire Olympian!

As Olympic fever grips the nation, more than a thousand people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have vowed to make sport happen in their communities.

Before the torch was even set alight at the 2012 Games, a nationwide 'Sport Makers' programme was established to make it easy for people who want to create sporting opportunities in their area. By giving motivated individuals the support needed to establish sports activities at grass roots levels, the programme will help more people get the chance to take part and even excel at sport. Volunteers who contribute to this scheme are already becoming part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sports legacy.

Potential 'Sport Makers' could be someone already involved in sport or someone inspired to create new opportunities, like setting up a regular game of five-a-side football with friends, motivating a group of friends to go to a weekly Zumba class or helping out at a local Park Run or badminton club.

'Sport Makers' are encouraged to complete 10 hours of volunteering, but it's hoped they will continue giving their time to the people and sport they are passionate about.

Amy Hewick is a 21-year-old student from Andover and Sport Maker who coaches the University of Portsmouth staff netball team and the university intramural netball league. By getting involved in promoting and managing the teams Amy has helped boost attendance for both. She says: 'Sport Makers has inspired me to encourage more people into doing what I love the most, sport! Turning sport into a fun and sociable workout helps to motivate all different types of people. The feeling you get back when you see the smiles on their faces is something else. Because I'm a registered Sport Maker I also get accredited for the hours I volunteer, which is great for the CV.'

Lucie Rawlins, from Sport Hampshire and IOW who are implementing the scheme in the region, says: 'So far in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 1389 people have registered to become a Sport Maker, which is fantastic. But we want that the success of our Olympic athletes to inspire even more people to take a lead in creating sporting opportunities for their communities and in doing so become sporting heroes too. Being a Sport Maker is a chance to have fun, meet people and make new friends, gain further qualifications and enjoy unique experiences.'

For more details about the Sport Makers programme visit www.sportmakers.co.uk or Sport Hampshire & IOW.

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding Sport Makers, please contact Tom Dickson or call 01962 845189.

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