Commissioned by the Department of Health, spear’s award winning worldwide systematic review of research and practice evidence had a significant impact on the implementation of the Government’s 2012 Legacy Action Plan, setting out plans to achieve post-Olympic targets in a range of areas.

spear provided evidence for the processes that might be harnessed to use the London 2012 Games to encourage physical activity and sport participation, and identified target groups.

The OPASH Legacy research conducted by spear was awarded the prestigious accolade of a Bronze award at the Podium Awards, an inaugural celebration recognising the very best of London 2012 projects across further and higher education.

Key Findings

• For current or lapsed sports participants, the Government’s Legacy Action Plan needs to capitalise on the ‘demonstration effect’ (athletes acting as role models to inspire increased sport participation) and boost the local range and availability of new sports activities particularly less traditional ones.
• For the sedentary and least active, informal physical activity participation in the community can be encouraged by capitalising on ‘festival effects’ that promote informal celebratory involvement at events that do not necessarily involve participation in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
• Use should be made of the national platform of celebration by promoting locally-owned and culturally relevant 2012 ‘festival effects’. This would develop and maintain the public’s positive feeling towards hosting the 2012 Games and tap into the ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.

Date: 2012

Client: Department of Health