News story

London 2012 hailed as “legacy blueprint”

International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief praises UK during final visit before the Games

From:
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, The Rt Hon Hugh Robertson and The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP
Published
30 March 2012
This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

IOC President Jacques Rogge has hailed London 2012 as a “legacy blueprint” for future Olympic and Paralympic Games as the committee began a three-day inspection visit today.

His endorsement came ahead of a meeting at Downing Street to hear where London’s preparations are and how the Government will deliver a lasting legacy from the Games.

The Government has today published its legacy document, Beyond 2012, which sets out for the first time the breadth and depth of the sporting, economic, regeneration and community legacy that will be delivered after the Games.

“London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy,” Mr Rogge said. “We can already see tangible results in the remarkable regeneration of East London.  This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.”

Key aspects of the Beyond 2012 plan include:

  • a £1billion youth and community sport strategy targeting 15 to 24-year olds
  • a lasting legacy for elite sport with world-class events secured post-2012 and a high performance system that gives British athletes the best chance of success now and at future Games
  • the International Inspiration programme, which uses sport to improve lives and change societies around the world
  • boosting economic growth by showcase UK construction expertise at the Olympic Park, awarding the majority of London 2012 contracts to UK-based companies and running major domestic and global tourism campaigns
  • supporting a culture of volunteering through the Games Makers and London Ambassadors schemes, the Cultural Olympiad, the Torch Relay and community action projects
  • changing attitudes towards disabled people through ground-breaking TV coverage and strong corporate support for the Paralympics
  • major regeneration and transport upgrade schemes in East London

Sainsbury’s School Games Ambassadors announced

Another integral part of the legacy plan will be the Sainsbury’s School Games competition to re-energise competitive sport in schools. Backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England, the School Games is a multi-sport event for school-aged elite athletes.

The new official School Games Ambassadors - Olympians Denise Lewis, Darren Campbell and Jason Gardener, and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds - are being officially announced at a reception at Number 10 today hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis said: “I believe the Sainsbury’s School Games will provide the young competitors with a fantastic opportunity to taste what it is like to compete at the highest level at a multi-sport event.  Competing in some of the Olympic venues before London 2012 is something most young people can only dream of.”

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Published 30 March 2012