2012 Roadshow visits two great sporting events

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Phil Lane, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, travelled with the 2012 Roadshow to Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, where the 29th edition of the London Youth Games is taking place.

Over 20,000 young Londoners from the 32 London Boroughs and the City of London have been taking part in competitions in 30 sports since March, culminating in the finals this weekend.

Tessa Jowell officially declared the newly refurbished astro-turf pitch open and started the finals of the Hockey competition. Later she chatted to participants and saw some of the other sports competitions, including Gymnastics.

Phil Lane commented on the important role of disability sport in the event:

"The London Youth Games have identified growing awareness and participation in disability sport. The challenge now is to find appropriate pathways to channel enthusiastic young athletes into elite sport, leading to success in 2012."

The next stop for the 2012 Roadshow bus was the Wimbledon Championships, where the Olympics Minister saw an exciting semi-final in the men's wheelchair tennis doubles. One of London's existing world-class venues, Wimbledon will host Tennis at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tennis at the Paralympic Games will be held at a new venue to be constructed in the Olympic Park, providing an important legacy for the sport.

8 July 2006