Rising to the Challenge in the East of England: our opportunities
This region showed the highest level of support for the London 2012 Games, with 84% wanting London to win the bid. We want to build on that enthusiasm, and ensure that our residents have the opportunity to join the magic of this huge global event on our doorstep, especially since we are playing host to two Olympic events in the East; Mountain Biking in Essex and White Water Canoe Slalom in Hertfordshire.
It is estimated that the 2012 Games could bring up to £600m pounds into the regional economy, with regional businesses benefiting from procurement opportunities. The region could also benefit from between £200m and £400m from tourism over the period of the Games and beyond to 2015. We want to make sure we maximise every opportunity for this region to benefit from the global focus that will put on the UK during the summer of 2012.
The region has also committed to raising the population's participation in sport by 6% in advance of the 2012 Games - trying to get us fit and ready for the Olympic challenge.
My role
I will champion the work of the region in preparing for the London 2012 Games, and support regional and local partners to maximise the opportunities they offer. I will use these pages to celebrate regional success and the latest news in our Rising to the Challenge efforts.
