ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Maccabi GB has become the first charity in the Jewish community to be granted the Inspire Mark - the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme - for their sports tournaments and clubs.
The programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all around the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – 11 months away from the start of the Games.
"I congratulate everyone involved in the Maccabi GB sports tournaments and clubs for securing the Inspire mark and wish them every success with their work."
Maccabi's School Sports Programme engages more than 1,000 young people a week in a range of sports programmes and after-school clubs in primary and secondary schools, bringing young Jewish people together and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The programme also delivers more than 30 sports tournaments a year, and in 2010 these tournaments engaged more than 3,000 young people.
Martin Berliner, chief executive officer of the charity, said: "It is encouraging to see that Maccabi GB can play a part in such an important national event as the Olympic and Paralympic Games."