THE 2012 Games may be taking place in London but sportsmen and women from the Craven area of the Yorkshire Dales are being given the opportunity to muscle in on the preparations for the greatest sporting event on earth.
Craven College, based in Skipton, is delivering a new Certificate in Sports Development. As part of the run up to the Games, the course will help develop skills, knowledge and awareness for employees in the sports industry, as well as those who work in the voluntary sports field.

It will be run on a flexible basis around your work and social commitments, tailored to meet your needs
Charlotte McKeown - Craven College
With funding coming from the European Social Fund and Aim Higher, the one-year course is free of charge for applicants from the Yorkshire region.
Craven District Council's Sports Development Officer, Bruce Dinsmore, said the course was a great way to get started in the sports development field.
"The world of sport is quite complex with a long history and exciting but challenging future.
"Craven College have set this course up to help and support people to navigate there way through this. It is a really interesting course which has lots of flexibility in it and will develop the skills needed to work or volunteer in this exciting sector."
He continued: "For those that want to progress to a degree level it will lay the foundations to step up this ladder. I hope to work with students on the course and support them with practical based opportunities to get involved in local delivery."
Course leader Charlotte McKeown added: "The course is aimed at both professional sports performers and volunteers. It will be run on a flexible basis around your work and social commitments, tailored to meet your needs."
Anyone wanting to join the course should contact Charlotte on 01756 693868 or email: cmckeown@craven-college.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is 30 November.