Churches are being encouraged to attend special days to help equip them with innovative ways to make the most of the Olympic and Paralympic Games wherever they are.

More Than Gold, the agency established to help churches make the most of the 2012 Games, is holding 16 ‘Get Set’ days across the country.

Those who attend will leave with “new ideas, strategies, skills and resources” to help them make the most of the Games as a mission opportunity.

They take place on Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm on various dates and in several locations around the country.

Topics covered on the Get Set days include running a community festival, using sport to impact all ages, and becoming a Games Pastor.

Jon Burns, UK director of More Than Gold, said: “Churches should send their key people involved with children, youth, community engagement and outreach.

“They will gain practical insights from past Games and skills to use for years to come.”

The choice of electives covers Reaching Children and Youth, the Torch Relay and your Community, Prayer, Using International Mission Teams, Mission through the Paralympics and Games-related Social Justice.

The Rt Revd Adrian Newman, Bishop of Stepney, said: “More Than Gold have made hundreds of ideas easily accessible in their remarkable Get Set training days. I hope every church will make the most of this great opportunity to be ready for the Games.”

Jon added: “Thousands of churches are already making plans to reach out during the 2012 Games. These Get Set days give them the help needed to be at their very best. Every church, large of small, will benefit.”

The cost of the day is £10 per person, with advance registration encouraged to secure the required choice of workshop.

For more on the dates and locations of the Get Set events, visit the More Than Gold website, where you can register.