PEOPLE across Bexley are being urged to grab the opportunities thrown up by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With the Games just two years away, Bexley Council has launched its Be Inspired strategy to motivate people in the borough to become involved with 2012.

Bexley says the effects of the Games will reach far beyond the four weeks of actual competition but will offer individuals, groups and businesses unique opportunities.

Two organisations already inspired are Erith Yacht Club and the Europa Gym Club.

With the Games’ sailing events based in Weymouth, Erith Yacht Club became an ideal opportunity for a lasting sailing legacy for London.

It has successfully attracted £3m in funding to replace its ageing car ferry clubhouse with a state-of-the-art new one, able to offer sailing opportunities to disabled people and with facilities to offer community sailing classes for young people and local groups.

Europa Gym Club, also currently based in Erith, is home to several Olympic hopefuls.

It is also moving to a new purpose-built home in Crayford, as part of a deal with housing developer Barratt Homes, where it will be able to offer better facilities to more people.

Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance in Sidcup, is working with an international arts company Kinetka, inspired by the Games.

Its puppet Bex’s adventures around the borough are being flimed and uploaded onto the internet to provide the world with a snapshot of Bexley.

The council’s arts service is already working on a spectacular celebration for the 2012 Danson Festival.

Businesses are being encouraged to bid for Olympic contracts and people encouraged to be Games volunteers.

And the borough is bursting with community sporting opportunities.

The council also wants to hear from people about their 2012 projects and stories.

To find out more go to bexley.gov.uk/beinspired or call 020 8294 6963.