Achieving More Than Gold at 2012 Olympics

As athletes and fans around the world prepare for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics happening July 27-August 12 in London, England, churches across the United Kingdom are mobilizing for the More Than Gold campaign of outreach, hospitality and service. As with previous Olympic games, The Salvation Army is participating in the More Than Gold campaign, sending mission and service teams comprised of Salvationists from the United Kingdom and other territories.

Given our experience with the 2010 Olympic Games held in Vancouver, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda will make a contribution at these games as well. A team of 20 Salvationists from across the territory will participate.

Led by Graham Moore, territorial public relations and development secretary, 14 members of the team will work on outreach activities. Depending on the tasks assigned to this team, they could be serving water and food near Games venues and big-screen sites, leading sports clinics and holiday clubs for children and teens, working with local churches and taking part in community festivals.

The other six members will be led by Colonel Tracey Tidd, territorial secretary for women's ministries, and will help promote awareness of anti-human trafficking initiatives. This will be in partnership with the UN.GIFT displays that will be presented at over 20 locations throughout London.

Throughout the Games, The Salvation Army's International Headquarters will feature art exhibits created by residents of some Army centres. As well, since IHQ is located on the marathon race route, the Army will be giving out water from that location during the event.

Salvation Army to Host Mountain Bike Competition
The Salvation Army's Hadleigh Farm, located in Essex, England, will serve as the official race venue for the Olympic Games mountain bike cycling competition.

The mountain bike course is located on part of The Salvation Army's 900-acre property, which was purchased in 1890 by William Booth for use as a farm and training centre. The site continues to be used as an employment training centre by the Army.