BIG’s Peter Ainsworth wants to set up new legacy trust to capture spirit of 2012

Big Lottery Fund UK Chair, Peter Ainsworth, would like to set up a legacy trust worth at least £40 million to capture the energy and commitment generated by the 2012 Games.

He anticipates giving the trust a flying start by promising that the BIG Lottery Fund’s share of proceeds from the sale of the Olympic Village in 2014 be dedicated to this cause. Assuming people like the idea, he is encouraging other organisations to give the trust their backing, with an aspiration of potentially doubling its resources.

He adds: “There has been a lot of talk about securing an Olympic legacy, but no-one has come forward with a firm proposal to fund a community legacy for the UK; one which builds on the spirit and energy we saw among volunteers and in our communities during the Olympics and Paralympics

“I’d like to see the Big Lottery Fund commit all the funds it will receive from the sale of the Olympic village – some £40m – to set up a trust dedicated to securing this legacy across the whole of the UK.  So long as we know the money is coming we don’t have to wait for its arrival to begin deciding how to spend it.

“Such a trust could build on the enthusiasm, commitment and organisation of Olympic and Paralympic volunteers to capture and extend that positive community spirit right through to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 and beyond. It would help communities take forward and build on what they experienced during the summer of 2012. And it could have a particular focus on disabled people and on young people.”

He described the money as a windfall that would benefit all parts of the UK and could be used to support volunteers, community action, people with disabilities and young people.

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