Prime Minister and east London schoolchildren light up Olympic Stadium for first time
THE Prime Minister visited the Olympic Stadium to officially turn on the venue’s floodlights yesterday (Monday).
David Cameron joined Mayor of London Boris Johnson, London Organising Committee chairman Seb Coe, Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt and members of the Olympic Park workforce and east London schoolchildren to see the stadium illuminated for the first time.
The Stadium is lit by 532 individual floodlights housed in 14 towers suspended 70 metres above the field of play. Mr Cameron said: “Today we’re shining a light on this stadium and the brilliant work that’s been done on the Olympic Park so far.
“In 2012 a light will shine on all of our country as billions look on. I want the world to see that Britain is a confident, forward-looking country - a great place to live, work, invest and do business.
“I want to see huge spin-off benefits as people come and see our culture, heritage, great cities, countryside and our dynamism - and decide they want to come back again.
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“Beyond 2012 we want to ensure these Games deliver a strong legacy - not just regenerating this part of east London, but boosting our national economy and inspiring a new generation to get active and get into sport.
“Seeing the stadium lit up today is incredibly exciting and I can’t wait for the Games to begin.”
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Lord Coe added: “In the summer of 2012, the world’s best athletes will be competing for the world’s biggest prize in this wonderful stadium.
“The excitement we all feel today at hitting yet another milestone on the road to 2012 is a taste of things to come, as we seek to inspire the next generation of young people to choose sport, and invite the world to be part of London 2012.”
