London’s 600 page bid document for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 is being submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today, marking the move into the final phase of the bidding process.
Bid leader Sebastian Coe was at London City airport to see the bid document safely on to a plane to Lausanne:
"It's in good shape, it's very different - I think it's unique. It's what will get us across the line, and it really does differentiate us from the other cities. What we have under our control we have done well, and this is a very important day for us because it allows us to now take this bid internationally."
Before IOC members vote for a host next July, an evaluation commission will scrutinise the plans from London and rivals, Paris, Madrid, New York and Moscow, and visit the cities, before producing a report to guide the decision makers. London's bid, is being delivered to the IOC by 14-year-old East London basketball player Amber Charles: "I'm excited but I'm nervous about handing over the bid book - I think I might drop it. I'm hoping to compete in 2012 so the Olympics being in London would make it easier and more exciting."
Support, both nationally and internationally, is now the key to a successful outcome next July and Coe’s team will be working overtime to ensure that the key advantages of the London bid are understood.
Whilst London's plans are based on an Olympic zone around Stratford in the east of the city, Wembley, Wimbledon, Lord's, the Dome and Hyde Park will also be used as venues, with beach volleyball planned for Horse Guards Parade.