Petition calls for homeless to be represented at future Olympics1

Governance | Niki May Young | 30 Jul 2012

Organisers of a one-night festival highlighting the talents of homeless people as part of the 2012 Olympics festival have petitioned the International Olympic Committee to ensure homeless people are represented at all future Games.

With One Voice, which will see 300 people who have experienced homelessness perform at the Royal Opera House on 2 July, will send the petition to the Committee's president, Jacques Rogge, once it reaches 200 signatures. It currently has 190.

Created in partnership with Homeless Link, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, British Council and the European Commission, With One Voice will be the first time homeless people have ever been represented in Olympic or Paralympic history.

"Anyone could have a hidden talent, and everyone should be given the opportunity to recognise these talents and share them with others, reads the petition.

"We believe that homeless and socially marginalised people should continue to be given a platform to celebrate their creative skills at future Olympic and Paralympic Games."

To add your voice to the petition click here.

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Barry Gower
30 Jul 2012

Will the homeless people be competing in the events at the Olympics, or just being given the opportunity to represent their talents.?

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