27 July 2007
As work begins on the Olympic Park in east London, five years before the opening ceremony, the PM has said that the 2012 Olympics will be a "catalyst for lasting change".
He said:
"Five years from today the Olympic flame will be lit in London, marking the start of the greatest celebration of sport we will have ever seen in this country. But the vision for London 2012 is about more than just hosting a fantastic summer of sport. It is about using this opportunity as a catalyst for lasting change in our country."
Following his recent announcement of extra funding for sport in Britain’s schools, the PM said that he wanted "the anticipation and reality of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games here in 2012 to spark a renewed passion for sport in Britain’s young people".
He also said that he was determined to see maximum regeneration in the deprived area of east London where most of the construction will take place, as well as major benefits for the rest of the country, particularly in business and tourism.
The Olympic Delivery Authority took control of the land where the main Olympic park will be yesterday. The 500-acre site will include a main stadium, aquatics centre, velodrome, three sports arenas, a hockey centre and accommodation for competitors.
Mr Brown added that the Olympic team were on course with their preparations and had his full support in making "the most of the great prize of staging the Games here in Britain".
- Five hours of sport per week for every child
- London 2012 (opens in new window)
- Olympic Delivery Authority (opens in new window)
Read the PM’s comments in full
Five years from today the Olympic flame will be lit in London, marking the start of the greatest celebration of sport we will have ever seen in this country. But the vision for London 2012 is about more than just hosting a fantastic summer of sport. It is about using this opportunity as a catalyst for lasting change in our country.
I want the anticipation and reality of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games here in 2012 to spark a renewed passion for sport in Britain’s young people. That’s why I recently announced extra funding torestore sport to its proper place in our schools - not as an attractive afterthought to the curriculum, not as an after-school option for an enthusiastic minority, but as a central part of theexperience of every child.
I am also determined that we maximise the regeneration benefits of hosting the Olympics in east London. This is an area of real deprivation and the Games will help change it for good with new jobs, schools, homes, new sports facilities and improved transport links. And there will be major benefits for the rest of our country, including the opportunity for UK companies to bid for and win contracts and the unprecedented opportunity for our tourism industry.
The team at 2012 are exactly where they planned to be at this point. The International Olympic Committee have praised their preparations to date. And they have my full support as they work to meet the many challenges that lie ahead and to make the most of the great prize of staging the Games here in Britain.
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