Olympics ‘not worth it’ say Hackney footballers

Spectacle went to Hackney Marshes to interview local footballers on what they thought of plans to turn their pitches into a coach car park for the Olympic stadium.

The East marsh, has a reputation all over the world for being home to the largest number of outdoor pitches in Europe. It is not just this reputation that will be lost if Olympic plans go ahead says locals. The deep community spirit the football games bring to Hackney will also disapear.

As one female footballer pointed out, they could play in Walthamstow but why should Hackney women’s team play in Walthamstow ‘its not right’. Many were highly sceptical that once the Olympic games were finished their precious  pitches would be returned to them.

The East marsh football games have been taking place for over 50 years. They have been kept going through rain or snow by the local community and easy availability of space.  Anyone who wants to can play.  For many who take part, losing all this for a the Olympics, which will only last 3 weeks, is just not worth it.

For more information on Spectacles Olympic Project please visit our Project Page

For Spectacles latest film on the Olympics please visit our archive page.



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London Olympic “park” displaces allotments

You can view video clips about the displacement and destruction of the 100 year old Manor Gardens Allotments to make way for a walk way for 4 weeks of the London 2012 Olympics.

These clips are part of our on going project about the effects of the Olympic mega project on the fabric of London and its citizens.

view clips

For more information on Spectacles Olympic Project please visit our Project Page

For Spectacles latest film on the Olympics please visit our archive page.



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Are only wealthy sports going to benefit from the olympics?

The current batch of medals being won by team GB in Beijing seem to be centre around sports mainly, not exclusively, practised by the well-off. These include sports such as  sailing and rowing that require large amounts of expensive equipment. The idea of the Olympics having a large number of participants maybe distorted if further focus and funding is given to these already affluent sports because they are going to bring in Gold.

However smaller sports that are not going win gold or clubs that are not linked to the olympic triumph will lose out on funding. This is highlighted by the example of the Europa Gym in Erith, Kent which is facing closure despite playing a vital role in the community. Its rent has recently increased by £30,00 forcing, Yvonne and Len, who run the gym, to sell their house and move into the property. Despite providing an essential space for gymnastic and boxing in a deprived area as well as featuring in the award winning dance film ‘GOLD’ by the Spectacle, the gym receives no core funding and is being left out to dry by the Sport England.

Is the legacy of the 2012 Olympics going to be a full trophy cabinet or really engaging young people with sport?



For more information on Spectacles Olympic Project please visit our Project Page

For Spectacles latest film on the Olympics please visit our archive page.



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