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Olympic Games 2012: North West

Volume 503: debated on Wednesday 6 January 2010

To ask the Minister for the Olympics what steps her Department is undertaking to ensure the north west region will benefit from the London 2012 Olympics. (308663)

The Government and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games established the Nations and Regions Group to ensure UK-wide engagement and to maximise the legacy of London 2012. This group works directly with representatives from each of the nations and English regions to maximise the sporting, commercial, cultural and other benefits of the 2012 games.

There are plans for 68 Olympic and Paralympic pre-games training camps in the north west. In addition, the Australian Olympic swimming team, the Thailand Olympic and Paralympic team and the Oceania National Olympic Committees have signed agreements to base their pre-games training camps in the north west. Old Trafford will also host rounds in the Olympic football competition in 2012.

43 businesses in the north west have won direct contracts with the Olympic Delivery Authority. some 13 projects in the north west have been awarded the Inspire mark and more than 50 organisations have participated in the open weekend.

Also, the north west has secured £3.02 million from the Legacy Trust to encourage the north west sporting, cultural and education sectors to connect with the 2012 games. To date, around 550 schools in the north west have registered with Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme.