13 January 2006

England's Northwest set to reap rewards of 2012

Speaking today at a conference organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), outlined the challenges and opportunities for the Northwest to make the most of the 2012 Games.

(L-R) Lord Coe, Cllr Dr Pauline Lane CBE (NWDA Board Member), Andy Worthington MBE (Chair, North West Sport Board and Non-Executive Director, Sport England) visit Old Trafford

Commenting on the IOC vote in Singapore, he said:

"It was a result that will change the face of British sport forever.  Quite simply it is the biggest opportunity in sport this country has ever had.  It is one that we must not squander."

Sebastian praised the Northwest for the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the lessons it offers for the Games saying:

"Let's be clear.  Without the Commonwealth Games in 2002, I doubt that there would have been a bid for the 2012 Games.  The incredible job, done by many of you in the room today, was a major stepping stone in many people's eyes, giving the Government and the country the confidence to go for the Games in 2012.

"We've learnt a great deal from that already - I'm sure there is much more to be gained from your experience.  The parallels between what we hope to do in the East End of London, and what you have already begun to achieve in East Manchester, are very clear.  East Manchester provides a template of excellence in regeneration terms, and has catapulted the area forward twenty-five years in a period closer to five."

London 2012 offers huge opportunities for the whole of the UK and, in particular, the Northwest, Sebastian continued:

"You are part of this story, and a part of the victory in Singapore.  Both the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, and Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 are key milestones on the road to 2012.

"We hope that the European Capital of Culture in Liverpool in 2008 will provide a platform, a springboard into our own cultural activities for 2012, and will set out clearly to people the connections between different parts of the UK.

"Looking at those two events demonstrates effortlessly one of the major areas of opportunity created by 2012.  One of the many benefits could be the chance to host major sporting and cultural events in the run-up to the Games.  Well, you're already ahead of the game on that one.

"Both the Commonwealth Games and Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 will be part of our own successful story in 2012."

Sebastian also encouraged the region to get behind the Nations & Regions Group.  The group, which has representation in the Northwest through the NWDA and Sport England, will work with the 2012 organisers (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games - LOCOG) to ensure that the Northwest gets maximum benefit from the Games.

Peter Mearns, NWDA Director of Marketing, highlighted the importance of today's event to the Northwest:

"Today's visit by Lord Coe acknowledges the Northwest's vital contribution in securing the 2012 Olympic Games. Building on the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games the Northwest is well placed to share best practice with London 2012, ensuring that the Games are a triumph for both London and the rest of the UK. The business, tourism and cultural opportunities that this event will generate are vast and, through the Nations and Regions Group, the NWDA will work hard to ensure that the Northwest reaps the maximum benefits that this accolade will bring."

-ends-

Notes to Editors

- Photographs of Sebastian Coe's visit to Old Trafford are available on request.

- The Nations & Regions Group's aim is to ensure that the United Kingdom as a whole benefits from the great opportunities created by staging the Games in 2012. Charles Allen will chair the group, which will have high level representation from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as each of the English Regions.

For further information please contact Rachel Ormandy, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400237 or 07810 528449 or Rachel.Ormandy@NWDA.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk