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Sir Rodney Walker welcomes Olympic bid

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Rob Burgess 15 May 2003

Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman of UK Sport, today said that the Government’s decision to back a bid for the Olympic Games would have far-reaching consequences for British sport.

"UK Sport is delighted that the Government has thrown its weight behind a British bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Sir Rodney said.

"Staging the Olympics on home soil would stimulate an unparalleled period of sporting development in the UK over the next decade that will keep us firmly on course to become one of the world’s top five sporting nations by 2012.

"There are many other wider issues that the Government had to take into account when making a decision of this importance, but UK Sport was not alone in believing that the significant benefits that would accrue from bringing the Olympics to London made a bid essential.

"The benefits are of course dependent on the UK putting forward a successful bid, and this is where the hard work now begins.

"UK Sport looks forward to playing a full and active part in the work of the bid team as it prepares to submit the application to convince the International Olympic Committee that London is the perfect choice as host of the Games in 2012."

Sir Rodney also emphasised that UK Sport – the organisation responsible for co-ordinating major events in the UK – would maintain its efforts to stage European and World Championships on home soil.

"Through the World Class Events Programme, UK Sport remains committed to staging major events on home soil because of the numerous sporting, economic and social benefits they deliver," he explained.

"In March, more than 600 athletes from 140 nations competed at the 9th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics in Birmingham, giving the British public and a vast international TV audience the chance to witness sport at its very best.

"We will continue to invest Lottery funding to support both bidding and staging costs as the UK’s international reputation as a capable host of world class events is enhanced."

Sir Rodney went on to pay tribute to Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Sports Minister Richard Caborn for their efforts in persuading the Government to back a bid for the 2012 Games.

"I would personally like to thank the Secretary of State and the Sports Minister for their commitment in preparing as full a case as possible to present to the Cabinet concerning a potential Olympic bid," Sir Rodney added.

"It became increasingly clear that they were convinced by the arguments in favour of staging the Games and did everything possible to win over their colleagues, as is evident from today’s announcement."

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