This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive supports London olympic bid
15/11/2004
London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games can bring
benefits to Scotland, Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson
said today.
Speaking after London submitted its formal bid to the
International Olympic Committee, the Sports Minister
said:
"The Olympic Games is the biggest sporting event in the
world. It is watched by millions and provides a showcase
for the world's best athletes competing at the highest
level.
"The Executive wants to ensure that Scotland is well
placed to take advantage of a successful London 2012.
Hampden Park has already been earmarked to stage part of
the Olympic football tournament in Glasgow.
"I am sure there are many other potential sporting,
business and tourism and cultural benefits that a
successful London Games would bring to Scotland."
"I recently invited Lord Coe, Chair of London's bid, to
visit Scotland so I can discuss with him how we can
exploit these opportunities. I am pleased that he has
accepted my invitation and I will be meeting him next
month."
London 2012 has also recruited several Scottish
sporting ambassadors who are voicing their support for the
bid.
Rhona Martin, Scotland's Olympic Curling Gold medallist
said:
"Taking part in the Olympics is the pinnacle of any
athletes' career. I'm delighted to support London's bid,
and I'm sure that if the city is successful, there will be
positive knock-on benefits opportunities for Scotland.
"The Olympics encourage people to be more active.
Olympic athletes are role-models and as such, I am
confident that a successful London bid will encourage young
and old in Scotland to take part in sport."
London, along with other Candidate Cities (Madrid,
Moscow, New York and Paris), will submit their bids to the
IOC on Monday, November 15, 2004.
The IOC will announce the successful host city during
the 117th IOC Session in Singapore on 6 July 2005.