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Mandela backs London's 2012 bid

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London 2012 07 April 2005

Nelson Mandela, one of the world's most respected and revered individuals, has endorsed London as the city to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012, citing the diversity of London's communities as providing the ideal setting for the Olympic Games.

"There is no city like London. It is a wonderfully diverse and open city providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities from all over the world. I can’t think of a better place than London to hold an event that unites the world," Mandela said.

The 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner, who inspired the world through his campaign against apartheid, said that Olympic Games in London would demonstrate the power of the Olympic Movement to change people's lives. "The Games in London will inspire athletes as well as young people around the world and ensure that the Olympic Games remain the dream for future generations," said Mandela.

"London would offer something very special to the Olympic Movement, including great new sporting facilities and a legacy for generations to come."

At a press conference at UK Trade and Investment offices in Johannesburg to formally announce Mandela’s support for the bid, Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn said: "It is an honour to have such a respected international figure supporting our 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid. The recent history of South Africa shows the power of sport to bring communities together. This is our aim for a London Games, to help unite the nations of the world in one of its most diverse cities."

"Nelson Mandela's backing for London 2012 is a powerful indication of the breadth of support that our bid is receiving all over the world - and a recognition of the special qualities and values we think a London Games would bring to the Olympic movement".

London 2012 Bid Chairman, Sebastian Coe, said that Nelson Mandela's support would inspire London and the United Kingdom to work closely with the international community to deliver the best ever Olympic Games if London is selected by the IOC in July to stage the 2012 Games.

"It is indeed a very special honour for London 2012 to have the support of Nelson Mandela, who is one of the world's most admired and inspirational figures," he said. "Nelson Mandela understands the powerful role that sport can play in changing people's lives - both on and off the sporting field. The London 2012 Olympic Games shares the same vision. The Games in London will help to build new bridges of understanding between cultures and nations and leave a legacy of much needed new sporting venues and facilities that will continue to change people's lives for generations to come."

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