Yesterday I was at the British Museum for the announcement that BT is the sixth Tier One Partner of the London 2012 Games. With such a grand and historic venue BP had made their intentions clear for the unveiling of this new partnership. When walking into the British Museum, there was an obvious buzz amongst the media and stakeholders, and all seemed intrigued by the foam mats and huge screen.



After the soothing music and breakfast snacks, the mellow feeling was soon brought to an abrupt end with a pacy and thrilling exhibition from our young fencing stars of tomorrow. Before the first speech came and the unveiling began, a fantastic short film of the Olympics of yester-year built tension, with many of the images still creating those butterflies in my stomach.

When Tony Hayward (Group Chief Executive of BP) started talking I felt that the event may lose pace but the constant interruptions of the big screen added a whole different dimension to a potentially dull experience, this was also helped by Tony’s to-the-point attitude! The message 'BP - Beyond Petroleum' began to become clear from what Tony Hayward said.

Bow and arrows are never the first thing that comes into your mind in such a historic building, however BP proved nothing is impossible, and out came the archer, and a display in nerve and accuracy pursued. The archer had a microphone picking up the control she had over the tiniest thing, including her heart beat.

When Seb Coe took to the front, his slightly dodgy jokes added to the friendly environment BP had created. Not totally unexpected, Seb mentioned his glee at the new sponsor and elaborated on BP's role not only in the build up to the Games but also after the Games.

Yet again more sporting action began, with six intricate marshal art bouts commencing in front of the absorbed audience. As each competitor fell with what looked like a painful throw the spectator’s oooooed and ahhhhed in nervous anticipation. After a bow or two, the belted warriors took a seat to allow room for the final speaker.

Again the BP representative (Head of BP in the UK) reiterated the company’s excitement at the opportunity that had presented itself and elaborated on the reasons for their decision to get involved. As the again short-and-sweet talk came to an end, more delicious food and drink were offered around by the friendly staff, and a spree of hand shaking and polite chat broke out.

When the museum opened to the public the crowds grew and as if to hammer home the point that BP were looking to enhance the Games, a gymnastics display was observed by the ever increasing rabble.

With this event, BP really proved that now they are involved, the Games will not only be a sporting masterpiece, but it will also be grand and most of all SUSTAINABLE. Let's all hope that BP has another event soon, it was an enjoyable experience.