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Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today unveiled plans to develop London as the number one sporting destination for national and international sporting occasions. Speaking at the London House in Beijing, on the eve of the historic Handover to London as the next Olympic host city, the Mayor outlined his full support and backing to Events for London, the organisation that will lead on attracting, growing and developing major sporting and cultural events in London. London has already made its mark as a top destination for international sporting events following the hugely successful hosting of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, which attracted over two million spectators, and the first ever National Football League regular season game to be held outside the Americas. With preparation for the 2012 Games in full swing and the offer of the most diverse and interesting cultural attractions in the world, London is already making the shortlist as a key destination for event organisers. Events for London, the recently created partnership between the Mayor, Visit London, and the London Development Agency, will help event organisers and sponsors to maximise the impact, audience and benefits of holding major sporting and cultural events in London. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "There is no doubt about it - London is right up there with Beijing and New York to host top international sporting events. We can provide world-class Olympic training facilities, we have world-class theatre and culinary offerings and more importantly, we have the hunger to improve on this reputation. That is why Events for London is now tasked with bringing even more Olympic and non-Olympic sports to the city. The message is clear: sporting bodies will find us an open, accessible and more important, welcoming city." Commenting on London's strength as a destination for major events, Sophie Goldschmidt, Vice President, NBA EMEA said:
"London is the perfect platform to host any sporting event. It's a city that understands how to work with global sports to fulfil their objectives, whether media coverage, brand development, expanding a fan base or community engagement. It's also a city that's truly passionate about sport. "The NBA is thrilled to be bringing basketball back to London's O2 Arena on 12 October this year with a game between the New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat. We plan to extend the phenomenal success of last year's game by including a ‘Central Court' weekend at London's famous South Bank from 10-12 October. It's just one of the ways that London can make a sporting event a city-wide celebration. I would recommend any sporting bodies thinking about an event destination to put London at the top of the list." With other leading sports such as the Red Bull Air Race and NHL Hockey mixing with Champions League football, international rugby and cricket, London's sporting calendar has started to reflect the huge potential the city offers federations, organisers and rights holders as well as the sporting public. David Hornby from Visit London said: "London is fast becoming the world's most exciting major events destination. The Events for London project within Visit London provides us with a key strategic role in driving not only economic benefit to the capital but also helps us to engage new audiences for sport and inspire a new generation to participate. We are passionate about sport in London and that leads to inspiring events in our city." Boris Johnson also highlighted London's unique strengths in hosting training camps. He said: "London boasts many world-class facilities that will be able to host pre-Games training camps as well as the events for the London Games. I hope that in the run up to 2012 and for many years to come, athletes will come to London to use the facilities we have on offer, to train and to compete." London has 94 accredited Pre-Games Training Camp venues providing for a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports ranging from world class athletics facilities at Brunel and St Mary's University, to the historic York Hall, home of world champion boxer Lennox Lewis and Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison. |
