The International Olympic Committee's decision to award the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to London was a tremendous honour and achievement and a wonderful tribute to the skill and passion of all those involved in the bid. We now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to stage the greatest show on earth and to transform the UK's sporting, cultural and social landscape.
In 2012, London will welcome more than 23,000 competitors and officials from more than 200 countries. Among them will be the world's greatest sportsmen and women.
The action will be centred on the Olympic Park in east London, home to the main Olympic Stadium and other new venues. Other events – such as the football tournament and sailing – will take place outside London.
The Games will deliver thousands of new jobs and homes, a huge range of opportunites for businesses of every size up and down the country, and will transform one of the most deprived parts of London.
The Games will also inspire a new generation to greater sporting activity and achievement and will help to foster a healthy and active nation.
There will also be a four-year cultural festival and a massive boost to tourism.
As lead Government Department for the 2012 Games, we are working closely with our key stakeholders – the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, the Olympic Delivery Authority, the Mayor of London and the British Olympic Association – other Government departments and relevant bodies in the nations and regions to ensure that the 2012 Olympic Games leave a lasting legacy and create maximum benefits for London and the UK as a whole.
