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Stars depart with nationwide support

4 July 2005 - This article is from the bid archive

Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bobby Charlton, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Colin Jackson and Shirley Robertson pose with the giant London 2012 campaign flag at Heathrow Airport
Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bobby Charlton, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Colin Jackson and Shirley Robertson pose with the giant London 2012 campaign flag at Heathrow Airport

Some of the greatest names in British sport have departed from London to join the team aiming to secure the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Singapore.


Five-time Olympic Rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave - a London 2012 board member and Chair of the bid team's Athletes' Advisory Group - received messages of support from all over the United Kingdom before boarding a plane bound for the Far East.

Sir Steve was joined at Heathrow by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain's greatest ever Paralypmian, Olympic Sailing gold medallist Shirley Robertson, sprint hurdles star Colin Jackson and Football legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

The athletes received London 2012 flags from all 12 nations and regions of the UK, signifying the overwhelming public support that the bid has enjoyed.

The ambassadors also posed with the giant London 2012 campaign flag, which was been signed by hundreds of stars from the stage, screen and sports field, including Michael Caine, Alan Shearer, Ellen McArthur and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Shirley Robertson said that London's bid had benefited hugely from the experience of athletes who have enjoyed the experience of competed in the Games.

"I have been delighted to be involved in London's bid for the Games," she said. "It truly is an excellent technical bid that will deliver the best possible experience for athletes.

"It is an honour to be flying to Singapore as part of the team."

Bid Chairman Sebastian Coe, who is already in Singapore rehearsing the crucial final presentation to members of the International Olympic Committee, welcomed the support London 2012 has received from all over the country.

"The support and passion for the bid shown from all corners of the United Kingdom - from Dundee to Dorset, Belfast to Birmingham - has instilled a great sense of pride within the London 2012 team," he said.

4 July 2005