Teesside sporting greats have joined growing calls to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England.
Olympians and Paralympians from our region are among more than 40 sporting legends who have signed a joint statement backing the push to host the games in 2040.
The joint statement has attracted support from some of Britain’s most recognisable and successful Olympians and Paralympians, including Olympic cycling champions Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny, Britain’s most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, Olympic bronze medallist and former world record holder Steve Cram, and Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Olympic sprint relay medalist ‘Teesside Tornado’ Richard Kilty and Loftus table tennis Olympian Paul Drinkhall are among the signatories from our region as well as Para Rugby Gold medallist Jack Smith MBE, Para Swimming Gold medalists Faye Rogers and Susie Rodgers MBE and , Olympic swimmer Aimee Willmott, Olympic athlete Allison Curbishley and Olympic cycling medalist Chris Newton.
Three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Paul Drinkhall said: “I was part of London 2012 and seeing the effect of having that home support and what it did for the whole country was amazing.
“I saw how great that was for the country and I think hosting again, but especially in the North, could benefit the country even more than London did back in 2012.
“Because we’re such a sporting region – sport is something that brings people here together as a community, especially for people who don’t always have something big to look forward to.
“Of course, beforehand the benefits would be huge because of the investment and the facilities coming to the area.
“And that would be a great thing, but not just for this generation, for generations to come.”
Stockton Para Swimming World Champion and Gold Medalist Faye Rogers said: “To have an Olympics in the North would be amazing! You can see how London 2012 inspired a sporting generation and I have no doubt a Great North Olympics would do just the same.
“It would have a huge impact on the local community as well and inspire so many kids and families. I am fully supporting the bid to bring The Olympics to the North.”
The latest support represents the most significant athlete backing yet for the Great North Games vision and shows growing momentum behind the proposal, as Government and sports governing bodies explore the feasibility of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got the ambition, the track record and the pride to play a major part in bringing a future Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North.
“Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have shown time and again how we can deliver on the big stage – and it makes total sense for us and the wider North to have our voices heard and host the world.
“It’s great to have the backing of Teesside sporting legends for this cause – and I’ll be continuing to push with other mayors to get the Games here.”
Earlier this year, Northern mayors and leaders, called on the Government to explore the potential for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North of England.
Last week, the Government confirmed it would begin an initial strategic assessment into the feasibility of a future Games in the North.
The joint statement reads:
As Olympians, Paralympians, athletes and competitors who have had the honour of representing Great Britain and competing on the highest stage, we write to express our strong and united support for the North of England to host a future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The legacy of the London 2012 Summer Olympics showed what is possible when the country comes together behind a shared ambition. Now is the moment to build on that legacy.
Many of us have seen first hand that the North of England has the ability to host a box-office Games: world-class venues, experienced event hosts and a passion for sport like no other place. The International Olympic Committee’s multi-city model makes a distributed Games more viable than ever before.
Few moments unite the country like the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have felt that unity – in packed stadiums, in town squares, in schools and living rooms across the country.
A ‘Great North’ Games would be a national Games. It would bring the country together in common purpose. It would showcase the very best of Great Britain.
We believe that hosting a Games in the North of England in 2040 would be a moment of renewal and confidence for the entire United Kingdom.
We are proud to add our voices to this vision and to support a Northern Games that would inspire generations to come.
