Pixillion

We just launched "Walk the World", which is delivered in partnership by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and 'Discovering Places'. It offers everyone an easy and exciting way to get involved in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no matter where they live.

Through the new Walk the World website people can submit their findings, explore links in their local area or beyond, and learn about the countries they relate to. Connections through buildings, place names, plants and animals, monuments, people and communities will reveal how the 206 nations and their people have helped to shape every aspect of our environment. There's the chance to explore further by downloading and taking part in specially created walks throughout the UK or by creating new walks for others to share.

By the time the eyes of the world look to the UK for the Olympic opening ceremony it is hoped that the Walk the World website will be packed with thousands of local connections to all of the nations taking part.

Nick Crane comments:
“I am delighted that everyone in the UK has the opportunity to take part in this great project. For the more adventurous there’s the chance to showcase links in their neighbourhood by creating a walk for others. Walk the World has set the ball rolling by creating example walks which tell the fascinating stories of the many connections between a particular place, Olympic or Paralympic nations, and the wider world.”

Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) says:
“Geography and history are all around us and it’s easy to find evidence of connections in your neighbourhood – past and present - between the UK and the Olympic and Paralympic nations. The stories behind the connections can be fascinating and surprising. Who would have thought that there is a link between the sheep in our fields and Iran, Iraq and Turkey?”

Ian Lush, Director, Discovering Places comments:
“The advent of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sets all of us a challenge to extend our warmest welcome to participating nations. Walk the World offers communities a means to rise to the occasion and play their own part in the celebrations by showcasing the best of our great nation and by welcoming visitors with a glimpse of the familiar in a foreign land.”