Impact of Games ‘will be felt for many years’

COUNCILS aiming to capitalise on the Olympics have said its impact will be felt for many years after the Games take place in 2012.

Leeds, Sheffield and Hull have officers working to make best use of the event for inspiring healthier lifestyles, improving education and attracting other competitions.

In Hull the council has installed seven free to use outdoor gyms, delivered 39 community sports events covering 13 different Olympic sports and secured an annual marathon starting in 2012. The authority is also in talks with teams from Sierra Leone, Iceland and Belarus to host their pre-games training camps.

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Hull East MP Karl Turner said: “It was always going to be difficult for Hull to compete with cities like London and Leeds. However, this was not a reason for Hull not to try.

“I am delighted that Hull has secured the Olympic Torch Relay. This is really exciting and will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Hull.”

Sheffield will host four GB Olympic sports – boxing, table tennis, volleyball and diving – and the Paralympic table tennis squad.

The estimated economic impact of these teams over the last three years is £3m, and the city has also signed US Diving, Brazil Judo and the Serbian Olympic committee for pre games training camps.

Sheffield was confirmed as one of the overnight stops in the Olympic torch relay.