The organizers of London’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games have hired consulting firms run by Maurice and Charles Saatchi and the Ingram Partnership, to “pitch” London’s bid and persuade cynical Londoners that hosting the Games is a good idea.
According to the British-based Guardian, the appointment of the Saatchi brothers’ agency will provide a much-needed boost to the Olympic campaign after bid chairman Barbara Cassani admitted London was lagging behind New York and Paris in the race to host the 2012Games. Reports say the lack of transport infrastructure and the size of the city are expected to count against London.
Also, the Guardian writes that the campaign is facing opposition at home, where critics say the investment needed to prepare London for such a big event is more urgently needed elsewhere. Council taxes in London are expected to rise by about 20 pounds to pay for the event.
Tim Duffy, the managing director of M & C Saatchi said, “convincing the members of the International Olympic Committee and winning the hearts and minds of people throughout the UK is a campaign like no other. It’s an awesome responsibility and the kind of challenge we relish”.
