Archbishop Desmond Tutu pledged support for London 2012At the Park, the Archbishop met with children from schools in the five East London Host Boroughs, Olympic Park workers and members of the local community.
The Archbishop, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role as a unifying leader figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid in South Africa, is in London to take part in the inaugural London 2012 Diversity and Inclusion speaker series.
As part of his visit, the Archbishop was present when Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), Paul Deighton, CEO, as well as heads of departments, signed the London 2012 Diversity and Inclusion pledge. The pledge demonstrates LOCOG’s commitment to creating the most diverse and inclusive Games ever.
Later this evening, he will also deliver a speech on the importance of inclusion to the London 2012 legacy.
Sebastian Coe said: 'Such is the diversity of London, that this city is probably one of the only few in the world where every competing nation in 2012 will feel that they have a home crowd.
'Sport has a real role to play in healing and bringing a nation together. We are thrilled that Archbishop Desmond Tutu could come and see the progress London 2012 is making, not only on the Olympic Park, but also in terms of our diversity and inclusion work.'
Archbishop Desmond Tutu added: 'I spent part of my time first as a student at King’s College here in London and later at the World Council of Churches. It is very exciting today to see how the Games are a catalyst for change in this part of London and how they will deliver a lasting social, economic and sporting legacy.
'As a South African, I know how much sport can help bring different people and nations together. I feel strongly that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be a fantastic celebration of the many different communities and cultures which exist in London and the rest of the UK and will bring everyone together.'