As we approach the 2012 Olympics, the world’s attention is ever- more centred on young people and their talents to be shown on the word stage. The Olympics are an exstraordinary tool for bringing people together and also for emphasising the spirit and the identity of each nation. And Italy like other country will of course provide its considerable contribution.

Investment in young people is an investment in the future. That the reason why are important the mini- Olympics , where young and promising boys run for follow the dream of the great Olympiads. In London there is a Italian community that organizes the mini- Olympics for children: the O.G.I. ( Olimpiadi della Gioventu Italoana), the mini- Olimpics organised bi-annually for the Uk’s Anglo- Italian Community.

The O.G.I. was helpd in 1980 at Copthall Stadium in Northwest London and the subsequent Games took Place at the New Rive Stadium in north London. The idea for the Games was originally put forward by St Peter’s youth Club, tha aim being to give all youngsters the chance to participate in various sporting events and that the actual winners we not the clubs that accumulate the most medals, but the people who took part.

The first Games saw teamd from all over the Uk participate and although recent years have seen the number of athletes decline, there is still an average od around 400 yaongster, rainging between the age of 9- 21, who tahe a part in many track. The Games are open to all young people from 9 to 21 years of age (inclusive), who are members of an Italian Club or Association, or who are currently learning Italian at school or evening class.

There is no maximum or minimum limit on the number of competitors in each team. The O.G.I. is a truly unique event in the calendar of Italian community in London because it is the only one that caters exscusively or children. It is a mini-Olimpic game for the children of the Italian community , it’s a unique social event which brings together all parts of the Italian community.

It is truly an honour to be president of OGI Cav Adriani Morini and feel very fortunate to be working with such a talented and enthusiastic committee. OGI 2012 will be taking place from Saturday 2 June 2012 at barnet Copathall Stadium in Nord London . Come and see the fun tha is had by all.