Welsh boost for 2012 bid

The showpiece Cardiff stadium will host matches in the Olympic football tournament, while facilities such as the Wales National Velodrome in Newport could feature as pre-Games training camps.

Speaking on a visit to South Wales, Ms Cassani said: "Wales will certainly benefit if London wins the right to stage the 2012 Games, not least as the Millennium Stadium will host part of the Olympic football competition.

"But Wales, just like other parts of the UK, can benefit from wider sporting, economic, health and social benefits that come from hosting an Olympic Games.

"National Olympic teams will be looking to establish training camps six to nine months ahead of the Games and . . . they will look to places like Wales."

Ms Cassani met Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Sport Minister Alan Pugh and other politicians and sports leaders during her visit.

She said that businesses in Wales and throughout the UK stood to profit from "hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds" of contracts should London stage the 2012 Games.

She added: "I am delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government supports the bid and am looking forward to working with the Government and other organisations in Wales to ensure our bid is the strongest possible."

Mr Pugh said: "If London is successful in its bid, it will have enormous benefits not only for London but the whole of the UK.

"Wales's ability to successfully stage international sporting events is recognised with the FA Cup final and Rugby World Cup beamed into living rooms across the world.

"Sporting events play a vital role in boosting morale and interest in sport. The Welsh Assembly Government aims to capitalise on this to increase participation in sport and active recreation.

"Playing our part in the campaign for London to host the 2012 Olympic Games will have massive spin-offs both in terms of tourism and economy, and health and fitness."

16 February 2004