London’s youth discuss Olympic bid

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Rowing medallist says children will benefit from legacy of games

On Friday 3 June more than 150 youngsters from around London formed a Youth Summit in Hammersmith & Fulham to discuss the merits of London’s Bid to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The council volunteered to host the summit to show its support for London’s bid. The 11 – 18 year olds met for a day of discussions and presentations at the home of the new Premiership and Carling Cup Champions, and jewel in the borough’s sporting crown, Stamford Bridge.

With just over 30 days to go until the International Olympic Committee announce the winning host city in Singapore, the children heard presentations from 2012 representatives, the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham and Olympic Silver medallist, Alison Mowbray, before discussing what they learnt and how they feel about the Bid.

Alison Mowbray said, "It was really wonderful to see the children of Hammersmith & Fulham and other boroughs get together today at Stamford Bridge to debate the Olympic Bid. If we are successful this will really be their Olympics. They are the ones who are likely to be competing for Gold and they are the ones who can get involved in the logistics and organisation as well as benefiting from the legacy of the Games."

The borough’s mayor, Cllr Charlie Treloggan, said, "The council is Backing the Bid one hundred per cent and the borough has a great deal to offer and gain if London’s Bid is successful."

The Youth Summit comes a week after the announcement that the Linford Christie Stadium in White City will receive a £600,000 cash injection from Barclays and the Football Foundation. With the backing of Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Chelsea Football Club, Barclays Spaces for Sports announced that the facility based in Du Cane Road will be improved and extended thanks to a unique funding package.

As well as discussing the obvious sporting benefits of hosting the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012, the Youth Summit also debated the opportunities from cultural festivities that will accompany the Games.

June 8, 2005