We must capitalise on feel good factor from 'unforgettable' Olympics

Sir Robin Wales said: "This is one of those rare moments when I can be sure that I speak for everyone when I say that the London 2012 Games - two thirds of which are taking place in Newham - have surpassed all our expectations so far.

"It's been an incredible and unforgettable Olympic fortnight that started with the spectacular opening ceremony.

"There's also been an Olympic effort by council staff who have been working round the clock to keep the borough clean and working. Plenty of residents have been able to cheer on our team, including more than a 1000 young people. Nationally, around one in 10 people got a ticket to the Games. For Newham residents, that figure is roughly one in six so far.

"We've achieved this by working with the organisers and lobbying them on residents' behalf. No other borough has done better.
Newham athletes have been a critical part of the greatest-ever British team."

Sir Robin added: "Funding grassroot sports is the key to ensuring the incredible success of the Olympics continues long after the flame is extinguished."

His message comes as David Cameron announced funding for Olympic sports has been guaranteed until the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

UK Sport will receive £125 million annually for the next four years to maintain funding at the same level as the run-up to London, the Prime Minister said.

Sir Robin continued: "Newham athletes, including Mo Farah and Christine Ohuruogu, have played a pivotal part in ensuring a record-breaking gold medal haul for Team GB. The question now is how we ensure that success continues as part of the Games legacy.

"The danger is that when the Olympic flame is extinguished, the hard work and energy that has been created will be extinguished with it. We cannot spend the next four years arguing over who funds what.

"The coalition's announcement sounds good - but it comes in the context of free sports activities, including swimming, being axed across the country. Here in Newham, despite being hit by one of the biggest central government grants cuts suffered by any local authority, we have continued to provide free swims for youngsters.

"We want to ensure inner London boroughs like Newham get their fair share of the funding and that it doesn't just go to the leafy suburbs."

Sir Robin also said: "Elite sport stars start at local level so we're already doing our bit with programmes like Every Child a Sportsperson which is giving young people a golden chance to participate in sport. Success must not be limited to an elite few. We are committed to our youngsters and want them appearing in sports stadiums - including the Olympic Stadium in Newham - for years to come.

"Let's not forget too that it was the coalition that slashed funding for school sports partnerships, which had helped to increase the quality and range of sport available in schools.

"It's important to ask where this new funding will go to. It's all about creating a strong infrastructure and capitalising on the Games' feel good factor. We want to harness that inspirational power to encourage people to get involved in their local communities, whether it's through sporting activities or volunteering.

"I know the Paralympics will now amaze and inspire everyone all over again. It isn't over yet and so let's make the most of it."

Newham Council already has a series of events and programmes running to develop a lasting local legacy.

They include:

• Every Child a Sportsperson and summer sports programmes for young people
• BMX programme with Access Sport
• Free swimming for under-16s and a commitment that a six-borough gala will be the first community event at the Aquatics Centre
• Direct support and partnerships with local clubs such as Newham & Essex Beagles, West Ham Boxing Club and Newham Swords fencing club
• A community athletics programme including 10 'Run England' groups with 890 members
• 343, disabled participants taking part in clubs and sessions
• 1,335 previously inactive people doing athletics at least once a week
• 40 Active coaches
• 174 Active volunteers