Commonwealth Games community project launched

The United by Birmingham 2022 programme will bring together ambitious West Midlands-based community projects that share a common purpose with the Commonwealth Games.

It will recognise grass-roots organisations that have a positive impact on the lives of the people they work with - such as projects that aim to improve skills, offer training, benefit the environment or deliver youth engagement activities.

John Crabtree, chair of Birmingham 2022, said: "This is a unique opportunity for us to team up with not-for-profit organisations who are doing amazing things for their communities, through projects that are aligned to our vision and mission for the Games.

"By working together we hope to shine a light on each and every one of our United by Birmingham 2022 projects and empower them through the Games."

To mark the launch, more than 40 representatives from 12 charities and social enterprises came together in Oozells Square, Brindley Place in Birmingham city centre to take part in a 5K run along Birmingham's canals while litter picking on the way.

It was led by Team England gold medal winning athlete and United by Birmingham 2022 official ambassador, Ama Agbeze and GoodGym, a country wide community of runners combining getting fit with doing good deeds.

Ama Agbeze, said: "As a local person and proud ambassador I've loved being part of the launch and I am excited to spend time with the projects to learn more about what they do and unlock the ways that we can work together to achieve common goals as we prepare for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."