London's Passion

Lord Coe, Chairman of London's Olympic bid committee, has told the Olympic sports federations in Berlin that London's passion and enthusiasm to host the 2012 Olympics is matched only by its commitment.

Quote:

"We have made great progress with our plans. We have listened and we have learned. We believe we have chosen the best venues. Each one will present every sport at its best. We want to help you grow...We want to bring a new generation of participants and spectators to the Games and to all its sports".

He said that the London organisers had reached an agreement with the BBC to broadcast an extra 1,000 hours of sport, if London wins the Games.

He said:

"This will bring all sports to the widest possible audience...It will take your sport and the Olympic experience to a new generation of young people...I well remember returning from the 1984 Olympics and witnessing the unique enthusiasm that the Games can foster".

Lord Coe confirmed that funding had been agreed for a hockey stadium, the third new facility in London.

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"Work will start, regardless of whether our bid is successful..What this means is simple there would only be two permanent venues left to build for London to host the Games (after the hockey stadium)".

The vote for the host nation will take place on 6 July, in Singapore.