London 2012 blog

Diversity is one of many things that make London such a great world city. It’s also no surprise that it is therefore also one of the reasons that the London 2012 bid for the Games won way back in Singapore in 2005.

It counts in so many ways – every country that will send teams to London will have people already here that can speak their language and often have a satellite culture, which will help make athletes and visitors feel welcome. One strand of London’s diversity that is globally renowned is the strength and size of its gay community, so the London Organising Committee teamed up with the London Development Agency to take over a prime corner of Trafalgar Square for the annual Gay Pride event.

Read more of “London 2012 goes pink for the day”

Tuesday night saw the final Evening Standard London Influential’s debate for 2008, at the RCA’s Great Room, which features James Barry's celebrated paintings 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' on the upper walls. The venue was filled to capacity with 200 Londoners; the panel was Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Will Self columnist and author, Kate Hoey MP and GLA Commissioner for Sport, Andrew Gilligan columnist and Seb Coe.

Read more of “The debate hots up”

Recently I was asked to come along to one of the 2012 Get Set London Roadshows to share my experiences as a former Olympian at the Respect Festival in Brent.

When I arrived at Roundwood Park, it was a real treat to see so many families and children visiting the roadshow and finding out more about what 2012 will bring to London.

Read more of “The Respect Festival - taking the Roadshow to Brent”