 |
|
British embassy staff raise the host country flag for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 200 days ahead of London 2012 |
Embassy staff yesterday raised the host country flag, uniting with British people and others all over the world in the strong sense of anticipation ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
Hawkins described the competition as “a once in a generation opportunity to showcase the best of modern Britain to the world.”
“I would like to invite our Qatari friends who share with us a love for sport and an enthusiasm for hosting major sporting events to join us in looking forward to discovering the many things that have made the UK a great place to live, work, study and visit,” he said, adding “2012 will offer an opportunity to explore our history and heritage, our countryside and cities, against a backdrop of cultural performances and world class sport.”
Hawkins also spoke about the work undertaken to prepare for hosting the event in London.
“We’re very proud of the story we have to tell about the preparations. We followed a very ambitious green agenda, with energy efficiency built in.
“The Olympic Park is destined to be a blueprint for sustainable living. It is the largest regeneration project in Europe and the biggest urban park created in Europe for 100 years,” he explained.
“No other host country has ever been as advanced in legacy planning as the UK. The Olympic Park Legacy Company will look after the Olympic Park site after 2012, including its thousands of new homes and jobs, world class sporting, educational and cultural facilities.
“We are particularly pleased that Qatar will play a role in this legacy through its investment in the Athletes’ Village,” he stressed.
“As we mark the 200-day countdown to London 2012, we also look forward to 2022 - winning the right to host the World Cup was a great achievement for Qatar,” noted Hawkins, adding “the UK stands ready to support the delivery of a successful World Cup, drawing from our experience with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
