News

OLYMPIC BONANZA FOR COUNTY

“Kent has clinched gold,� according to the partners driving the county’s economic development, tourism and sports development, following the exciting news that London is to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IoC) followed months of lobbying by five cities across the world. London competed for the honour of hosting the Games against Paris, the bookmakers’ favourite to win at odds of 1-to-5, as well as Madrid, Moscow and New York.

As a result of the decision, Kent is now poised to create thousands of new jobs and welcome many thousands of visitors, bringing an economic windfall for the county when the 200 nations competing in the Olympics and the 130 taking part in the Paralympics head for London.

Commenting on London’s victory, Cllr Alex King, KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The arrival of the world’s largest sporting event will have a very positive impact on Kent, creating some 30,000 temporary jobs and will be a boost for many businesses. We have worked with the London bid team from the start and offered our full support.

“By 2012 Kent will offer excellent opportunities not only to the athletes and support staff during their final preparations for the Games, but also for visitors, who – thanks to the high speed domestic rail services and improved road network – will be well placed to use Kent as a base prior to the Games.�

Following the IoC announcement, KCC has unveiled a website to act as a shop window for Kent & Medway, providing each of the 202 National Olympic Committees with information on what Kent has to offer their athletes in terms of sporting facilities. The website will be supported by a targeted campaign using a brochure and DVD aimed at National Olympic Committee members.

Chris Hespe, who leads KCC’s Sports Development Unit, said: “Feedback from London 2012 and Sport Britain would suggest that Kent is ahead of the game in recognising the economic and sporting impact that the Olympics can have on an area, and the partnership driving Kent forward is a strong one.�

The potential economic impact of the Olympics has also not gone unnoticed by local residents. In a recent survey of the county’s residents, undertaken by KCC, nearly 70% of those questioned believed Kent’s tourism industry would benefit and the majority of respondents thought Kent would reap the economic benefits of London hosting the Olympics.