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Britain unites in decision joy

Published 7 July 2005

More reaction to the International Olympic Committee’s decision to award the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to London from Britain’s political and sporting community:

"This is amazing. When we started out it was a mountain to climb, but we've had an incredible few days here. What came over in our presentation was giving kids the chance - it's not just about cities. We spent a lot of time before formally submitting our bid preparing things and we will start work on that tomorrow. We'll give the world the best Games they've ever seen." Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London

"We have got a great chance now to develop sport in our country and to have a fantastic Olympic Games and then to leave a legacy for the future." Tony Blair, Prime Minister

"It's not often in this job that you punch the air and do a little jig and embrace the person next to you." Tony Blair, Prime Minister

"This is a great day for British sport. Public support for the bid in Scotland has always been amongst the highest in the UK." Jack McConnell, Scottish First Minister

"It is a reflection of the enthusiastic support for the bid from around the regions of the UK and Northern Ireland can be justly proud." David Hanson, Northern Ireland Sports Minister

"I hope to see Welsh competitors bringing home the best ever haul of medals in 2012." Peter Hain, Welsh Secretary

"It's just the most fantastic thing that has ever happened for British sport. Now we have to maintain the momentum not only up to 2012, but also afterwards and transform sport way beyond the Games. Seb's presentation was inspirational and the hard work of his ambassadors in the last couple of days has been sensational." David Moorcroft, Chief Executive, UK Athletics

"The work on constructing the Olympic pool in Stratford will start immediately and good progress has already been made on the design which is absolutely stunning and world class. It is a great day for London and a great day for sport. This is destined to become a catalyst for sport and swimming to move forward in Great Britain." David Sparkes, British Swimming, Chief Executive

"Having the Olympic tennis tournament at the most famous tennis club in Wimbledon will undoubtedly inspire an entire generation of new tennis players. In addition the new tennis centre in the Lea Valley for the Paralympics tennis event will provide a whole new area of London with access to affordable tennis." John Crowther, Chief Executive, Lawn Tennis Association

"Being so close to London, our superb National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes will be a key facility in the preparation of our British squad - and most likely many of the other international squads in the weeks before the 2012 Games." Clive Ricks, Chief Executive, Badminton England

"London 2012 will be a huge boost for sport in the UK and will leave a lasting legacy for this country. We believe youngsters will be captivated by the spirit and will be inspired to become participants in the entire spectrum of Olympic sports, including our own." Densign White, Chairman, British Judo Association  

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