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PM: London's legacy to the Olympic Movement

5 July 2005 - This article is from the bid archive

Tony Blair has pledged to appoint a dedicated Olympic Minister if London is awarded the 2012 Games

The Prime Minister has pledged a lasting legacy to London, the United Kingdom and the Olympic Movement if the capital wins the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.


Mr Blair also promised to appoint a dedicated Olympic Minister to oversee the Games and said that work would begin with 24 hours if London's bid is successful.

Sitting alongside London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe, the Prime Minister said: "The spirit of London 2012 will be the best spirit of the Olympic Movement.

"A love of sport, a belief in the ability of sport to bring people together, to educate, to enhance people's lives and a complete determination if we are fortunate enough to host the Olympic Games we believe in something that doesn't just last for the few weeks of the Games but lasts for the generation to come.

"That's our passion. That's why we want the Games so much, that's why we believe we can deliver something not just for our own country but for the Olympic Movement."

Lord Coe revealed that 14-year-old Amber Charles, a promising Basketball star from Newham in east London, would be part of the bid team's final presentation to the International Olympic Committee.

"I hope that clearly demonstrates the way we are doing this for people of Amber's age," he said.

"It's about the athletes of tomorrow, the Olympians of the future."

5 July 2005