Because it used the word “Olympic” in a campaign to raise money to encourage youngsters in sport, the Northern Echo has been forced to scrap its plans.
The newspaper had been planning to launch the “Olympic Dream” to raise money for grassroots sport, but has been told that if it used the word “Olympic” in association with the campaign, it would be breaking the law.
Editor Peter Barron said, “the campaign has been scuppered by political correctness, bureaucracy and small-mindedness. We are not allowed to launch our campaign because the law says we can’t use the Olympic symbol, the London 2012 logo, or even the word Olympic in association with a fundraising initiative.
“We weren’t planning to produce souvenir Olympic mugs. We were planning to encourage youngsters to get off the streets, get fit through sport and chaise their dreams. We understand the commercial sensitivities involved, but surely there has to be room for flexibility”.
He added, “we still encourage our readers to raise money for Sports Aid. Just don’t mention the Olympics”.
London 2012 says nobody is allowed to use the Olympic symbols in order to protect its commercial rights.
British Labour MP Kevan Jones is planning to table a motion on the issue and ask Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to re-examine the Olympic Bill.
