Public support for London 2012 higher than ever

The latest market research conducted on behalf of the London Organising Committee shows that 79% of the public support the Games taking place in London in 2012.

This compares to 75% approval in September 2005, the last time the Organising Committee conducted nationwide research.

The research was conducted throughout the UK in December 2006.

The strongest support for staging the Games in London came from respondents in Wales and the West of England, with 87% of those polled in favour of hosting the 2012 Games in London.

80% of those polled in the North of England were in favour, with 79% support in the South and 78% support in the Midlands.

Londoners gave a 75% approval rating for the Games - strongly in line with recent research by London print and broadcast media outlets.

64% of those polled in Scotland were in favour of London hosting the Games in 2012.

The highest levels of support for the London Games came from respondents in the 31 - 35 age group. 88% of 31 - 35 year olds questioned in the survey supported London hosting the Games. Support was strong across all age groups, from under 25 to over 55 years.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee commented: "These results are very heartening, and reflect the support we have seen on our travels around the UK. Our aim is to deliver a memorable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with a lasting legacy for the nation, and we have made very good progress to date, with several ‘milestone’ moments in recent weeks. The whole of the UK is looking at ways to maximize benefits from the Games, from business opportunities, to tourism benefits to inspiring more young people to take up sport, and such strong public support will help us make sure no opportunities are missed."

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

Find out what is going on at London 2012 HQ on 'Work in Progress' http://blog.london2012.com, the London 2012 blog.