London 2012 lights up the Eden Project

The eye-catching message of support on one of the UK's most distinctive and popular tourist attractions was just part of the nationwide activity to mark 2012 Day (20 December).

Eden Project Marketing Director Dave Meneer said the success of the project provided a blueprint for London 2012's plans for the regeneration of east London.

"Building Eden showed that you can do anything if you have the vision, the energy and the commitment," he said. "If you can capture the public's imagination they get right behind you.

"People committed to innovation have created in the Eden Project an organisation that is dedicated to a sustainable future and to education.

"This is entirely complimentary with the plans and aspirations for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and we wanted to show the world that we support the bid."

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the innovative show of support.

"Eden is one of the nation's newest iconic projects," he said. "It does so much to promote the environment and sustainability.

"I was delighted to see the London 2012 colours displayed on Eden's biodomes. I urge everyone to get on board and back the bid, which will bring huge benefits to the whole of the UK."

Regions all over the UK also did their bit to celebrate 2012 Day.

A group of 20 potential competitors in 2012 lined up in Sheffield, where Olympic rower Debbie Flood presented a grant to fund transport, training and equipment.

In Birmingham, Aston Villa football club hosted an event at Villa Park, which would host football matches in 2012.

And Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, which would host the whitewater Canoe/Kayak events in 2012, played host to a canoeing demonstration by Athens silver medallist Campbell Walsh.

20 December 2004