I then travelled to the House of Sport, the headquarters of Sport Northern Ireland to meet some of the many talented young Northern Irish athletes, including Richard Archibald, the Colraine rower whose lightweight four took the Gold for Ireland in the Rowing World Cup in 2006. Richard is now training hard in the hope of qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Games, as are brothers Russell and Matthew McGovern – two of Northern Ireland’s finest sailors who are targeting both the 2008 and 2012 Games. It is always inspirational meeting athletes who are completely dedicated to their achieving their dreams.
After a great morning I was privileged to have lunch with Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, and members of the Northern Irish Executive including Sports Minister Edwin Poots. We discussed the ways in which Northern Ireland will be involved in the Games. Talking points were the projects being planned for the four year Cultural Olympiad, the business opportunities generated by the 2012 Games and plans to increase sports participation and tourism off the back of the Games. I was also given an update on the plans for a new stadium in Belfast. We have always said and it remains the case that should a stadium be built that meets our requirements and if it can be guaranteed to be ready in time, we would consider bringing part of the football tournament to the city.
After lunch I briefed two different meetings – members of Northern Ireland’s Legislative Assembly and then locally elected politicians before returning to a truly inspirational place I had last visited shortly before we won the bid for the London 2012 Games.
The new Salto Gymnastics centre in Lisburn (below) is one of the shining examples of improved sports provision. Over the last three years they have created a great place for the community and for inspiring elite athletes to train. Dame Mary Peters, one of Northern Ireland’s greatest Olympians and I officially opened the centre before I flew back to London.
It was a great day and one that reminds me of the support, enthusiasm and excitement that winning the Games in 2012 has generated across the whole of the UK.
And of course, the week ended with the great news that Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games - well done to them from all of us at London 2012.
