Olympics name ban is hindering trade
OLYMPICS copyright red-tape could stop the district’s schools from celebrating the event in song and music and hinder a Leicestershire business from giving children something to sing about.
That’s the claim of one of the country’s leading writers of musicals for schools, Andrew Oxspring of Edgy Productions in Kibworth.
“It seems that barriers are in place stopping schools from hearing about resources that would help them make the most of this year’s Olympics.” said Mr Oxspring. “It’s a once in a lifetime chance for children to celebrate the Olympics in their own country and for schools to enrich the curriculum.
“However, it’s going to be hard for them to find out what the opportunities are. Apparently the O-word can’t be mentioned.
“Official guidelines suggest that nobody can use the words Olympics, or London 2012, in any publicity. So it’s difficult for schools to learn about Olympics-based activities.”
“Our own musical Reach For The Sky uses the Olympics as a backdrop but we could be prohibited from telling schools that,” said Mr Oxspring.
The Olympics regulations banning the use of words are in place for copyright, sponsorship and branding reasons.
Mr Oxspring said: “It’s frustrating that children may not be able to make the most of what’s on offer. And it’s a blow to any British company, not just ours, that there’s such a stranglehold on business. London 2012 was meant to be a boost for the economy, but it seems that won’t be the case for companies that aren’t one of the multinational sponsors or aren’t based near the venues”.
Edgy Productions, formed in 2001 and based at Kibworth Business Park on the A6, specialises in writing musicals for primary schools.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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