23 February, Cardiff Last week, twenty schools in Wales played host to their partner schools from Indonesia as part of London 2012’s International Inspiration programme, a key strand of the international legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games for children and young people around the world.

Following the initial visit from Welsh International Inspiration Schools to Indonesia in October 2010, representatives from their Indonesian partner schools were hosted in Wales, during which time they developed a joint partnership plan for years 2 & 3 of the project.

Huw Jones-Williams, Head teacher of Whitchurch High School, commented:  “We are very grateful for all the work the British Council has done in facilitating this International Inspiration project which allows us to further develop our International Links. As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games draw nearer our school community will know that the legacy impact of the Games reaches out to the other side of the world where we have many friends in Indonesia.”

This is the first time that an Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee has launched a programme like this with the London 2012 Games as the catalyst for this ambitious engagement through sport programme.

Launched in India, International Inspiration aims to use the power of physical education, sport and play to enrich the lives of millions of children and young people of all abilities in twenty countries across the world. From Azerbaijan to Zambia, International Inspiration empowers young people, many in difficult situations in their countries, to become leaders in their schools and communities, building their confidence and self-esteem, as well as encouraging them to realise their ambition and full potential. They then become powerful advocates for change, helping others to improve their lives.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, International Inspiration Ambassador, said: “It is wonderful that students from Wales are taking part in International Inspiration, the most ambitious Olympic legacy programme to ever take place. I have been lucky to see firsthand through International Inspiration how sport is truly a global language, giving children and young people the chance to achieve their full potential. The links these schools are building with Indonesia through the programme will help students not only to understand other cultures, but also to play their part in using the power of sport to change lives.”

School partnerships are an integral part of International Inspiration, providing an opportunity for teachers, children and young people to develop and share innovative approaches to PE, sport and play in the classroom and their local community as well as learn about and understand each other’s cultures, experiences and international development issues. These twenty schools in Wales make up part of the 199 schools in the UK currently linked to a school overseas through International Inspiration.

These school partnerships are managed by the British Council, which has long experience of linking schools internationally, working in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, which utilises its expertise in developing teachers and young leaders through sport.