London 2012 appoints Deputy Chair of Nations and Regions Group

Jonathan, the Triple Jump World Record holder and Olympic Gold Medallist, is also a member of the Board of Directors of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and heads LOCOG’s Sports Advisory Group. Amongst other activities, he is a Trustee of the Newcastle United Football Foundation, a Director of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, and is a BBC commentator and presenter.

Supporting Charles Allen CBE, Chair of the Nations and Regions Group, Jonathan will undertake high-profile visits and speaking engagements in each of the nine English Regions as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. He will also lead on another core part of the Group’s work – the briefings to Members of Parliament and the Devolved Adminstrations on the regional involvement, benefits and opportunities that the 2012 Games offer.

The London 2012 Nations and Regions Group is the organisation set up during the bidding phase to achieve maximum engagement in and benefit from the London 2012 Games across the UK. The group focuses its efforts on social, economic and sporting outcomes.

This year alone, the Nations and Regions Group has had significant input into and results derived from the launch and roll out of the London 2012 Business Network; the delivery of the London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide; assisting with the organisation and delivery of the UK Handover celebrations from Beijing to London in August.

The representatives on the Nations and Regions Group also play an integral part of realising the benefits in their areas of two forthcoming and enormous opportunities for their constituent areas – the four-year Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Education programme.

Jonathan outlined the vision for his role: 'It is an honour to take up this new position as we enter the four year run up to the 2012 Games. Helping to strengthen the profile and reach of the Nations and Regions Group at this time when the involvement opportunities step up a gear is a huge privilege as I am committed to playing my part in ensuring a UK wide legacy from the Games and inspiring young people to take up sport.'

'The Nations and Regions Group is the key to ensuring that people right across the nation are able get involved in the Games in whichever way they choose - whether this be through the business, employment, sporting, cultural and educational opportunities or nearer to the summer of 2012 as volunteers and spectators.'

Charles Allen welcomed Jonathan to the Nations and Regions team: 'Jonathan’s experience as a world-class athlete, sports ambassador, LOCOG Board Member together with his involvement in the voluntary sector means he is perfectly placed to assist with and respond to the Nations and Regions Group’s remit to drive the benefits of the London 2012 Games across the UK. I wish him every success in his new role.'

Already active in supporting the work of the Nations and Regions group, Jonathan begins work in this new role with immediate effect, with his first engagement tomorrow, Thursday 4 September, to formally launch the London 2012 Business Network to over 200 Scottish businesses at a special event at Hampden Park.

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For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100

Notes to Editors

1. The work of the Nations and Regions Group is explained in more detail and by area at http://www.london2012.com/about/the-people-delivering-the-games/the-nations-and-regions-group/index.php