Lord Coe in Madrid: "London 2012 was a once in a generation opportunity to showcase everything that makes Britain great"
Hosting the Olympic Games boosts British business skills, youth sport and local communities, says London 2012 legacy ambassador Lord Coe
Lord Coe in Madrid
The London 2012 Olympic Games is providing a huge economic, sporting and social legacy for Great Britain, the Olympic legacy ambassador Lord Coe said during a visit to Madrid today (Tuesday 5 March). Lord Coe addressed over 200 guests at a breakfast event organised by news agency Europa Press.
“London 2012 was a once in a generation opportunity to showcase everything that makes Britain great in order to generate long-term economic benefits”, said Lord Coe.
“The winning, planning, delivery and legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games called upon all the qualities that make the UK stand out in the global economy. Based on the expertise that they developed in London, British companies are now winning contracts to help other nations deliver their Olympic Games.”
In Sochi, British firms have won contracts to provide project management of the Olympic Park, to design a flexible stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, and to provide roofs for the bobsleigh and ice hockey venues. In addition, UK companies are supplying construction equipment and consultancy, auditing and legal services.
5 March 2013.- For the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, British companies have won contracts to consult on sports pitches, urban and transport planning, sustainability and security. They are also supplying communications equipment and stadium seats.
London 2012 has also created a sporting legacy including the upgrading of hundreds of local sports clubs, the recruitment of new sports coaches and leaders, and a boost for Britain as an international sporting host - the country will host some 70 world class sporting events over the next four years.
All eight of the Olympic Park venues are being converted to permanent sporting and community facilities.
Lord Coe added “I am delighted that we also held the most accessible and inclusive Games ever, with disability access incorporated into the design and structure of buildings, open spaces and public transport. The London Paralympic Games changed attitudes to disabled people.”
Lord Coe told guests of his relationship with Spain “Where I have many friends. In fact, the first I time took part in an international championship was in San Sebastian and my last competition in Europe was in Barcelona.”
After the Europa Press event, Lord Coe joined a round table with Spanish business leaders at the British Embassy organised by UK Trade & Investment.
Lord Coe also remains chairman of the London organising committee for the Olympic Games until the organisation is wound up this summer.