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Story by Jack Foley
LONDON has been selected to host the 2012 Olympics, beating off
stiff competition from the likes of France (the favourites), America
(New York) and Spain.
The announcement was made at lunchtime on Wednesday, July 6,
2005, following weeks of campaigning by high-profile celebrities,
including Prime Minister, Tony Blair, Olympic winners, Steve Redgrave
and Kelly Holmes, and England footballer, David Beckham.
International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, declared
London the winner after an impressive last-ditch presentation
by Lord Coe, the bid chairman.
It immediately prompted delighted flag-waving from supporters
in London, who had packed Trafalgar Square to hear the announcement.
Earlier in the day, the five cities bidding to host the 2012
Summer Games were allowed to deliver their final presentations
ahead of the crucial vote.
Princess Anne kicked off London's one-hour presentation with
a message from Queen Elizabeth II which, according to Reuters,
stated: "I've been impressed by the way everyone has united
behind London's bid. As a country we share a passion for sport."
Prime Minister Blair also made final representations, as did
a number of key figures from British sport.
Speaking immediately afterwards, a delighted Lord Coe said that
the 18 months of campaigning has been a long road, but thanked
Britain for its support and committee members for reaching their
favourable decision.
The new means that 2012 will mark the the first time the Olympics
have been held in Britain since 1948.
London launches Olympic bid (details)
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How will London benefit?
What will be used/built?
New venues in and around an Olympic Park in east London:
Olympic Park stadium (athletics, opening/closing ceremonies)
Olympic Park aquatic centre (swimming, diving, synchronised swimming,
water polo)
Olympic Park velodrome (track cycling)
Olympic Park BMX track (BMX cycling)
Olympic Park hockey complex (hockey)
Olympic Park multi-sport complex (basketball, fencing, handball,
volleyball, modern pentathlon events)
Greenwich Arena (badminton, rhythmic gymnastics)
Broxbourne (canoe slalom)
Olympic Park tennis complex (Olympic training venue and Paralympic
competition venue)
Existing venues
Wembley Stadium (football finals)
Wimbledon (tennis)
Lord's (archery)
Horse Guards Parade (beach volleyball)
Hyde Park (triathlon)
Regent's Park (baseball; softball; road cycling)
Greenwich Park (equestrian; modern pentathlon)
ExCel exhibition centre (boxing, judo, taekwondo, weightlifting,
wrestling, table tennis)
The Dome (gymnastics - artistic/trampolining; basketball)
Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich (shooting)
Eton Dorney rowing centre (rowing and flatwater canoe/kayak events)
Weald Country Park, Essex (mountain biking)
Weymouth-Portland (sailing)
Venues for men's and women's football
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Old Trafford, Manchester
St James's Park, Newcastle
Villa Park, Birmingham |
