Newham and Barnsley partnership launched

With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games acting as a catalyst, the boroughs will work together in an exciting pioneering project with a focus on sharing expertise across a wide range of fields, including sport, culture, volunteering, health and enterprise.

Launch events took place simultaneously in both boroughs featuring sporting displays and cultural activities linked together by video technology. The events culminated with the signing of the partnership agreement by Mayor, Sir Robin Wales in Newham and Barnsley Council Leader Councillor Stephen Houghton CBE and Mayor Councillor Ken Sanderson in Barnsley.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "The enthusiasm and imagination shown by Barnsley, and in particular by Steve Houghton, will help to spread the excitement and magic of the Olympics across the whole of the UK.

"This innovative partnership is a marvellous opportunity to share sporting and cultural strengths and experience between councils with direct benefits for local communities.

"I hope this partnership will be the first of many sharing sporting and cultural strengths and experience, encouraging education links, volunteering opportunities and helping create a sustainable Olympic legacy throughout the country."

Councillor Houghton said: "This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for the benefits of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to reach the North. In Barnsley we pride ourselves on producing great sports men and women and I look forward to this partnership, amongst other achievements, encouraging even more of our young people to get involved in sports."