Go For Gold Over Next Three Years - Dee Doocey (London Assembly Liberal Democrats)

London Assembly Liberal Democrats <info@glalibdems.org.uk>

Go For Gold Over Next Three Years - Dee Doocey

July 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympics Spokesperson, commenting on the three year countdown to the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympic Games said:

"The countdown to the London Games has now reached a crucial stage.

"The progress made in turning a contaminated dumping site into an Olympic Park has been breathtaking. The fact that it is on time and on budget is an amazing achievement. However this success has not been matched in other areas.

"The are serious concerns over many of the legacy promises that have been made.

"It is extremely disappointing that only 190 unemployed Londoners have found work on the Olympic site, which is Europe's largest construction project employing 4,434 workers.

"Action on getting more Londoners into sport also falls short of what was promised. Most disturbingly there are no clear objectives for increasing participation in sport for disabled people. At present access to sport for children with special needs remains disgracefully neglected. The London Games must be the catalyst for change and ensure that participation in sport is open to all.

"We need to ensure that the six weeks of spectacular sport will be matched by a lasting legacy of jobs, training, and increased participation in sport for everyone. Otherwise the Games will have failed to deliver on the promises made when London won the bid."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Dee Doocey AM is Chair of the London Assembly Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee. Earlier this month her committee published the report Towards a Lasting Legacy - A 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Update: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/culture/edcst-2012-legacy.pdf