Challenging Perceptions
Building on the enormous amount of goodwill already shown towards the IOG, we are now raising the bar in a way never done before. You will see from the 10 themes that emerge in this strategy that the IOG has listened to what people have said, and we hope it is clear that the IOG itself is not afraid to make some difficult decisions in order to gain industry-wide respect, and to continually improve and ensure we communicate those improvements.
For our voice to be heard above all others, and for the 10 strategy points to be enforced in the correct way, the IOG does need industry-wide support - whether corporate, affiliate or individual members, both young or old. The IOG is much more than just a monthly magazine; as you can see, we will be broadening our activities throughout the year, actively working on your behalf to improve the status and standing of the grounds care professional.
World-Class Games
July 6th 2005 was a landmark day. The award to London of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will prove to be a defining moment in the long history of sport throughout Britain. In these early days it is not always obvious what the benefits might be, but for natural turf and synthetic surfaces it will provide a focal point.
Both the Olympic and Paralympic Games will require significant areas of both natural turf and synthetic surfaces, not only to stage events and support training venues during the Games but for pre-Games warm-up events and holding camps during the two years preceding the main events.
Other government and sporting organisations, including the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), have already declared an aspiration to build sporting participation on the back of the Games and, if this is to be realised, the demand for quality surfaces will increase further.
The IOG is a relevant partner for these developments through expert advice and innovative solutions. The IOG will campaign to ensure that the organising authorities recognise the value and contribution of the grounds management professional. The IOG, with other partners, will also pick up the legacy mantle to ensure that the post-Games benefit is properly financed and includes a firm commitment to retain and maintain the sustainability of surfaces developed for both the Games and other pre-event activity.
The IOG is excited by the potential opportunities that will develop as a result of the award of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to London. The IOG recognises that the Games will require significant areas of both natural turf and synthetic surfaces. The IOG is a relevant partner, with others, in advising on the technical standards of natural and synthetic surfaces for the Games.
The IOG will, as appropriate, engage with the Olympic and Paralympic organising authorities to support the provision of quality playing surfaces at all Gamesrelated sites, including event venues and training facilities. The IOG will also engage with the Games organisers to ensure that trained and skilled professionals are engaged to prepare surfaces at both competition and training venues.
The IOG will, whenever possible, take the lead in specifying, advising on and monitoring the technical standards required for these world class playing surfaces.
The IOG will showcase the Olympic and Paralympic facilities as examples of best practice developed and maintained through the application of specialist skills by grounds professionals
The IOG will campaign, with others, to ensure that the post-Games natural turf and synthetic turf legacy is delivered on a sustainable basis including routine maintenance and remedial work on a long term basis.
