London 2012 Open Weekend, which takes place from July 23 until 25, is a series of exciting sporting, arts and cultural challenges taking place across the UK and is a major part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Supported by BP, a Tier One sponsor who are the premier partner of the Cultural Olympiad and long-standing supporter of arts and culture in the UK, Open Weekend will take place every year until the start of London 2012.

With the 2010 edition of Open Weekend set to celebrate the two year countdown to the start of the 2012 Olympics, Coe revealed that the Organising Committee are entering the most crucial phase in their existence.

Coe told insidethegames: "It is a very exciting time for us as this really is the business end of the project.

"We recognise that we have got a lot of things to deliver but I am confident that we will deliver them in an organised, structured and concerted way.

"We will also continue to deliver them in partnership with the Government, the Mayors Office and all of the international federations so that by 2012, everything will be in place for a spectacular Games because of the hard work put in by a number of bodies."

Coe also claimed that, despite the Cultural Olympiad being a largely overlooked part London 2012, events such as Open Weekend are an essential part of their plans to get children involved in the Games. 

Open Weekend 2010, which was promoted across the country today by athletes like Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson (pictured), features the fresh theme of "challenge yourself" where various organisations have set public challenges at their events, creating an opportunity for everyone across the UK to set a new personal best by trying something new or taking an existing interest to the next level.

The event will give people access to a range of opportunities including building your own boat; performing in a ballet; running a leg in a three kilometres relay race; making your own stone sundial and talent contests and Coe claims this is a vital part of making people feel part of the London 2012 Games.

He said: "The Cultural Olympiad is very important as we view them as an entry point for young people to get involved in the Games.

"Of course there is a sporting element in the Cultural Olympiad and our Open Weekend reflects that but it is also an opportunity for young people to do things that they may never have thought about before because there are some very smart and creative things going on."

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson added: "London 2012 is a grand celebration of sport, but it is also about much, much more.

"With Open Weekend you can channel that enthusiasm, harness that energy and unlock your creativity

"So get out and about, explore and make it a real humdinger."
 
More details about London 2012 Open Weekend are available by clicking here.

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