By Tom Degun

London 2012 logoMarch 4 - London 2012 have secured a key component of the digital legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics by handing over the operation of its customer database to Sport England, working in partnership with UK Sport and London & Partners.


London 2012 began a competitive tender process in October 2012 to find a partner to help build the strongest possible sporting, volunteering and cultural legacy for the long term.

Following a review, Sport England, UK Sport and London & Partners were selected to own and manage the database on a not-for-profit basis.

This transfer of information, a first for an Organising Committee, has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) with London 2012 and the three partners working with the Information Commissioner to ensure full compliance in data protection regulations covering the transfer.

"The British people took the Olympic and Paralympic Games to their hearts last summer," said London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe.

"Many went to see sports they had never seen before, many more volunteered for the first time, millions took part in the London 2012 Festival and the Torch Relay and thousands signed up to be local leaders organising celebrations and community events in neighbourhoods across the UK.

"These were the London 2012 fans and millions have chosen to stay engaged.

"I am delighted that we'll be able to continue to keep these amazing people informed and involved in the legacy of the Games."

usain-bolt-2012Sport England will be looking to use the London 2012 customer database to help ensure the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The operation of the database will be consistent with London 2012's stated objective to build a lasting legacy from the Games by getting more people involved in sport, as spectators,  volunteers or participants, as well as in the arts and cultural events.

The partners will continue the "Stay Inspired" campaign to build on the model by London 2012 from the earliest days when over two million people signed up to back the bid.

"We are really delighted to be keeping the spirit of London 2012 alive and helping people stay inspired," said Sport England chief executive and chair of the partnership Jennie Price.

"As three partners we have the inside track on what's going on in sports and culture, so people can keep in touch and get involved.

"And our commitment to operating the database on a not-for-profit basis and staying true to London 2012's approach means that they can be sure their data won't be sold on."

The 5.3 million people currently on the database will have an opportunity to opt out or carry on receiving the monthly newsletters.

For those still in the database on March 28  the transfer means that they will continue to receive regular email updates about sport, volunteering and culture from across the UK.

The new newsletters will alert subscribers to a whole range of opportunities within their local community, ticket offers before general release and the latest information on upcoming events such as UK Sport's Gold Event Series including the forthcoming World Championships Triathlon and Rugby League World Cup.

There will also be opportunities to win "money can't buy" competition prizes like access-all-areas passes to world famous sporting events, sessions with sporting heroes and fantastic sporting merchandise.

Sport England will be responsible for overseeing and managing all information issued via the database, ensuring the information is held securely, continues to meet the needs, preferences and interests of subscribers and reflects the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in promoting engagement beyond London 2012.

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