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05/07/2005
Blair and Beckham continue London Olympic campaign
Prime Minister Tony Blair and England football captain David Beckham have been conducting a final day of campaigning in Singapore for London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide tomorrow which of the five cities – London, Paris, Madrid, New York or Moscow – will host the Games in 2012.
Mr Beckham joined the Prime Minister for a photocall and also joined a press conference with some of Britain’s biggest Olympic stars, including Sir Steve Redgrave, Jonathan Edwards, Colin Jackson and Denise Lewis.
Mr Blair, who will miss the IOC’s vote because he is returning to UK for the G8 summit in Gleneagles tomorrow, told a news conference that work would begin in London within 48 hours, if the bid to host the Games was successful. He said: “The spirit of London 2012 will be the best spirit of the Olympic movement.
“A love of sport, a belief in the ability of sport to bring people together, to educate, to enhance people’s lives and a complete determination if we are fortunate enough to host the Olympic Games we believe in something that doesn’t just last for the few weeks of the Games but lasts for the generation to come.
“That’s our passion. That’s why we want the Games so much, that’s why we believe we can deliver something not just for our own country, but for the Olympic movement.”
However, Mr Blair refused to comment on remarks on British food reportedly made by French President Jacques Chirac in a French newspaper. It was reported that Mr Chirac had joked with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that Britain’s only contribution to European agriculture was mad cow disease and that it had the worst food after Finland.
Mr Chirac, who arrived in Singapore today, also refused to comment on the remarks. He told reporters on his arrival: “We are in the Olympic world: that means fair play, that means the best should win and that is what I want. And naturally I want the best to be Paris.”
The IOC’s vote is due to take place at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore on July 6 around 12:45 BST.
(KMcA/GB)
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide tomorrow which of the five cities – London, Paris, Madrid, New York or Moscow – will host the Games in 2012.
Mr Beckham joined the Prime Minister for a photocall and also joined a press conference with some of Britain’s biggest Olympic stars, including Sir Steve Redgrave, Jonathan Edwards, Colin Jackson and Denise Lewis.
Mr Blair, who will miss the IOC’s vote because he is returning to UK for the G8 summit in Gleneagles tomorrow, told a news conference that work would begin in London within 48 hours, if the bid to host the Games was successful. He said: “The spirit of London 2012 will be the best spirit of the Olympic movement.
“A love of sport, a belief in the ability of sport to bring people together, to educate, to enhance people’s lives and a complete determination if we are fortunate enough to host the Olympic Games we believe in something that doesn’t just last for the few weeks of the Games but lasts for the generation to come.
“That’s our passion. That’s why we want the Games so much, that’s why we believe we can deliver something not just for our own country, but for the Olympic movement.”
However, Mr Blair refused to comment on remarks on British food reportedly made by French President Jacques Chirac in a French newspaper. It was reported that Mr Chirac had joked with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that Britain’s only contribution to European agriculture was mad cow disease and that it had the worst food after Finland.
Mr Chirac, who arrived in Singapore today, also refused to comment on the remarks. He told reporters on his arrival: “We are in the Olympic world: that means fair play, that means the best should win and that is what I want. And naturally I want the best to be Paris.”
The IOC’s vote is due to take place at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore on July 6 around 12:45 BST.
(KMcA/GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
