South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

South East Backing the Bid to Win

Register your support for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Olympic and Paralympic medallists from the South East of England supported London's 2012 Olympic Games Bid at a prestigious reception at Hampton Court Palace on 4 th November 2004 by adding their signatures to the giant 20 m by 12 m 'Make Britain Proud' flag, launched recently and already signed by Kelly Holmes and Amir Khan.

Thirteen of the region's top sporting heroes including Marlon Devonish (Gold 4 x 100 metres), Shirley Robertson (Gold – Sailing) and Peter Norfolk (Gold – Tennis Mixed singles Quad) signed the flag which is a key symbol of the London 2012 campaign and it is currently touring the country over the next few months to be signed by a range of high-profile individuals who have contributed to UK sport and society.

The 'Backing the Bid to Win' event, was hosted by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the South East England Regional Assembly and Sport England, South East, and was attend by 120 regional sportsmen and women, representatives from local businesses, council leaders and MPs and highlighted the potential benefits to the whole of the South East if London is successful and hosts the 2012 Olympic Games.

As part of the region's championing of London's bid, everyone was invited to register their support online at www.london2012.com via a number of interactive PC station.

SEEDA's Chairman, Jim Brathwaite CBE said:

"Hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics will bring vast benefits – not just to London – but to the South East as well. If successful, our region could possibly play host to some of the sporting events such as rowing at Dorney Lake in Berkshire . The sporting and business opportunities for the region are endless so it is important that you all register and encourage friends and colleagues your support for the Games on-line now"

Sean Holt, Regional Director of Sport England South East, said:

"The London 2012 Olympics will be a fantastic opportunity for London , England and the South East region. This event was excellent in raising awareness of the benefits it could bring to the economy, businesses, sport, sports fans and it will give our next generation of athletes the chance to compete in front of a home crowd."

Chair of Sport England South East, and SEEDA Board Member Mary McAnally, added:

"Sport England South East is an enthusiastic supporter of the 2012 Olympic Bid. If successful, the South East could have the opportunity to hold training camps at a number of exceptional sporting facilities, spreading the sport development legacy benefits even further afield."