Press Release
Mayor announces funding for London athletics Grand Prix
28-1-2003 035
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, will today announce his sponsorship of the athletics Grand Prix at Crystal Palace. The event will be renamed the Norwich Union LONDON Grand Prix.
Ken Livingtone said:
“I’m delighted to support one of the most prestigious events in the international athletics calendar. Watched by a world-wide TV audience, the LONDON Grand Prix acts as an excellent ambassador for our city, and for the achievements of the UK’s athletes.
“But there is more at stake than just one night of sport. If the UK wants to attract major sporting events, like the Olympics, or the World Cup, or the World Athletics championship, then it’s crucial that we continue to attract the world’s finest sportspeople to compete here on a regular basis. This is an excellent way to develop better relationships with the decision-makers in international sport and the only way to demonstrate what our sporting administrators are capable of.
“This is why it is so vital that the current deadlock between Bromley Council and Sport England over the future of Crystal Palace is ended as soon as possible. If not, there is a real threat the local community will lose a much-needed sports facility, and that athletics in this country will lose its home.”
David Moorcroft, Chief Executive of UK:Athletics - the sport's governing body - believes that the Mayor's support is crucial:
"I am delighted that the Mayor of London is supporting this key sporting event as virtually every other major city in the world offers support to their key athletics meetings. It is fantastic news for athletics that the Mayor should want to invest in the Norwich Union London Grand Prix.
“The meeting at Crystal Palace is one of the biggest in the world and this money means that we can work even harder to increase the meeting's standing on the international stage.
“London needs major sporting events and it is very encouraging to have Mayor Livingstone's involvement and support"
Jade Johnson, Great Britain's silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games & European Championships views the Norwich Union London Grand Prix as a crucial date in the sporting calendar:
"As a Londoner, I know how much I value Crystal Palace and the Norwich Union London Grand Prix. I used to attend meetings as a young girl and some of those great nights helped inspire me to get involved in athletics. There's no doubt that London's children need big events to fuel their enthusiasm for sport and I welcome Ken Livingstone taking such an interest in athletics.
“Crystal Palace is the home of athletics in Britain and investment from the Mayor is hugely encouraging.
“Children, particularly, can be inspired by sport - and with growing fears over obesity amongst school children, anything that encourages them to take an interest in all sports has to be viewed as vital. Athletics - running, jumping, throwing - is the basics of all sports and its importance to health can't be under-estimated"
Notes to Editors
Notes to editors
1. The Mayor will host a press conference with Jade Johnson and David Moorcroft at 10 am, Tuesday 28th January in London’s Living Room, City Hall
2. The sponsorship package is worth £75,000 including a £15,000 contribution from the London Development Agency
3. The Crystal Palace Grand Prix usually attracts capacity crowds of 17,500, with more female and ethnic minority sports fans than usual for a sporting event.
The 2003 Norwich Union LONDON Grand Prix will be held on 8th August.
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