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06/04/2005
Mandela backs London's 2012 Olympic bid
Nelson Mandela has given his support to London's bid to host the Olympic games in 2012.
The former South African president said that London's diversity made it an ideal venue to host an event that "unites the world".
Mr Mandela said that London would offer something "very special" to the Olympic movement, which would include great sporting facilities that would benefit future generations.
Mr Mandela said: "There is no city like London. It's a wonderfully diverse and open city, providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities from all over the world."
"I can't think of a better place than London to hold an event that unites the world. The games in London will inspire athletes as well as young people around the world and ensure that the Olympic games remain the dream for future generations."
London is competing against Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York to host both the Olympic and Paralympic games in 2012. The International Olympic Committee is due to announce the winning city in July.
British Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said that it was a great privilege to receive Mr Mandela's support for the bid. He said: "It is an honour to have such a respected international figure supporting our 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid."
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said that Mr Mandela's support would inspire London and the UK to work closely with the international community. He said that Mr Mandela "understands the powerful role that sport can play in changing people's lives – both on and off the field."
He added: "Bringing the games to London would provide a powerful demonstration of how people's lives can be transformed through sport."
(KMcA/SP)
The former South African president said that London's diversity made it an ideal venue to host an event that "unites the world".
Mr Mandela said that London would offer something "very special" to the Olympic movement, which would include great sporting facilities that would benefit future generations.
Mr Mandela said: "There is no city like London. It's a wonderfully diverse and open city, providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities from all over the world."
"I can't think of a better place than London to hold an event that unites the world. The games in London will inspire athletes as well as young people around the world and ensure that the Olympic games remain the dream for future generations."
London is competing against Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York to host both the Olympic and Paralympic games in 2012. The International Olympic Committee is due to announce the winning city in July.
British Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said that it was a great privilege to receive Mr Mandela's support for the bid. He said: "It is an honour to have such a respected international figure supporting our 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid."
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said that Mr Mandela's support would inspire London and the UK to work closely with the international community. He said that Mr Mandela "understands the powerful role that sport can play in changing people's lives – both on and off the field."
He added: "Bringing the games to London would provide a powerful demonstration of how people's lives can be transformed through sport."
(KMcA/SP)
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