United Kingdom, 2005-Jul-06
Incredible scenes of celebration erupted across the UK today as the International Olympic Committee voted in favour of London as the city to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The news was beamed live from Singapore to Trafalgar Square, where supporters, athletes and sponsors had gathered to celebrate.
The London 2012 Bid team, led by Lord Coe, thanked everyone who had supported the Bid from the three million people who registered their support to the UK government and sponsors. London beat strong competition from Paris, Madrid, New York and Moscow in an extremely close-run contest, with Paris the favourite to win right up to the last moment.
“Along with countless people across the UK, I was delighted to hear that the International Olympic Committee voted to award the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to London at their meeting in Singapore,” said Alan Wood, chief executive Siemens plc.
The decision is great news for a number of reasons. Hosting the Games will give the entire country a real lift and make everyone proud that the UK is hosting the biggest sporting event in the world. “The investment that we’ll now see in the capital itself is also to be welcomed,” said Alan Wood, “the infrastructure needed to support the Games will benefit the whole city, particularly in the East End where the Olympic facilities will be enjoyed by Londoners after 2012 for years to come.”
Siemens became a Major Partner to the London 2012 Bid in December 2004. Throughout this year the company has supported the London 2012 team in areas such as information technology, media services, security, lighting and building control systems, medical equipment and transportation solutions. Some 28,000 people backed the Bid via the Siemens internet site.
Mr. Rob Simpson
Corporate Communications, Siemens plc
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