Monday December 20 has been designated official London 2012 day and those supporting London’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games will have an opportunity to register at several events being held during the day.
Bid chairman Sebastian Coe said, “the more registered support the bid has the easier it is to demonstrate to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the UK’s support and passion to host the Games in 2012. This is the perfect day for people to sign up and support the bid”.
Activities include the launch of the London 2012 Frank/postmark 20-40 million letters that will roll through the Royal Mail’s franking machines Monday carrying the “Back the Bid” message. There will be a “Silver Blades” launch – a new scheme supported by London’s Mayor to provide skating opportunities for the disables, those over 50 and community groups in London.
A Leap for London will take place at Heathrow Airport and London Stansted Airport where people will leap through the EDF Energy Leap Counter to register their support.
“I backed the bid on 2012 Day” stickers” will be given out by 2012 “Back the Bid” teams at mainline London train stations to encourage people to register their support.
The landmark BT Tower will be lit early evening with a London 2012 support message.
A giant London 2012 flag signing will take place at the televised game between Charlton and Fulham.
Meanwhile, organizers of London’s bid are promising hundreds of newborn babies a role in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games should London host the Games.
Each of the approximately 1,800 babies born on 20/12 will be given the chance to take part in one of the official ceremonies or cultural events scheduled to take place in 2012.
Coe said, “to mark 2012 Day we wanted to do something special which benefits the whole country and provides a legacy which spreads to every corner of Britain”.
Chelsea is the first Premier League club to officially support London’s bid. Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said, “the bid is not just about the transformation of east London where many of the events will be held. It is just as relevant to other parts of London.
“If the bid is successful, clubs such as ourselves will clearly benefit from a better transport infrastructure for the capital and the international showcase that it gives London”.
