More Than Gold - 2012 Games

The olympics and the paralympics are the biggest peace-time event in the world. Athletes from 205 different countries are expected to compete in 26 olympic sports and 20 paralympics sports in 34 different venues across Britain in 2012.

"To use the power of the Games to inspire change" is a vision that we as Christians can say 'amen' to. Creating inspirational Games that will involve everyone provides a tremendous opportunity to create a force for good in society. It will extend the hand of friendship and encourage long-term participation in sport and cultural activity across the UK

More Than Gold

The Methodist Church is a sponsor of More Than Gold, which was set up as a one-stop-shop to help churches make the most of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through programmes of outreach, hospitality and service.

More Than Gold has united the Christian community for the world's major sporting events since the 1996 Atlanta Games. It has the support of all the main denominations and over 60 Christian organisations and agencies.

Your local church needs a Gold Champion, could it be you?

By having their own Gold Champion (Church Representative) a church can keep up to date with information on More Than Gold 's activities and resources. A Gold Champion's role is to -

• Relay information from More Than Gold to their church
• Link with other Gold Champions in their area to share ideas, plans and opportunities
• Help plan their church's own More Than Gold Weekend a year from the Games' opening

Gold Champions receive their own dedicated eNews update, On Track , and invitations to special briefings so they are always in touch and can share ideas and information with each other.

If you would like to sign up as a Gold Champion, please email Games@methodistchurch.org.uk

Finding out more

• Sign up to the monthly Methodist 2012 Games News email newsletter.
• Check out the More Than Gold website www.morethangold.org.uk.
• Have a look at our 'Pick and mix' ideas and resources to see what your church might do.

Listen to the podcast

Media Officer Karen Burke interviewed Dave Wilson, CEO of More Than Gold, to find out how Churches are gearing up for the 2012 Games.

 
Watch the video

Visit the More Than Gold website and learn how your church can make the most of the 2012 Olympic Games
 

More Than Gold is working to support the objectives of LOCOG, the organising committee of the Games. However, our programmes have no official relationship with LOCOG or endorsement from them other than our Athlete Family Homestay programme, which has been awarded their Inspire mark.