Andrew Mitchell MP has met with Paul Kaynes, West Midlands Creative Programmer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to discuss how Birmingham and the West Midlands region can contribute to the Cultural Olympiad in 2012. The Cultural Olympiad is a four year celebration of culture and diversity in communities up and down the UK. It aims to create a lasting legacy for the Games by inspiring young people, increasing cultural and sporting participation, bringing communities together, and promoting regional tourism to an international audience. It includes ceremonies and major national projects, and will culminate in a major UK-wide cultural festival taking place from 21 June to 9 September 2012. To date more than 300,000 people have been involved in the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands. Mr Mitchell heard how the programme has so far generated around £7.6 million in economic activity and encouraged volunteers to get involved in community events taking place across the region. During the meeting, Mr Mitchell discussed opportunities for cultural organisations in his constituency and the wider Birmingham area to get involved in the Cultural Olympiad. Andrew Mitchell MP said, “This is a great initiative already doing good in Sutton Coldfield and across the West Midlands.” The picture shows Andrew Mitchell MP with Paul Kaynes.