London 2012 launched both their Olympic and Paralympic mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville, together on BBC’s The One Show last week and Sir Philip believes that revealing both mascots simultaneously is a clear statement that the organisation holds both Games in equal stature.

He told insideworldparasport during a visit to the BT Paralympic World Cup here: "Many organising committees have intended to give equal entities to the Olympics and Paralympics in the past but whether that has actually been achieved is a long debate.

"Beijing came very close in 2008 and they caught up extremely quickly once they were declared the Games of equal splendour in 2006 but whether they considered the Olympic and Paralympic Games equal throughout the entire preparation for the Games, despite hosting a fantastic Paralympics, is questionable. 

"However, I am convinced that with London, that they will achieve the distinction of hosting an Olympics and Paralympics of equal stature.

"London is really keeping both Games on the same page and simultaneous Olympic and Paralympic events, like the launching of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic mascots at the same time and having the two mascots keep parallel stories, illustrates just that."



Sir Philip also claimed that the deal to sees Sainsbury’s exclusively sponsor the London 2012 Paralympic Games is another huge boost for the Paralympic Movement.

He said: "With such a well-known British brand supporting the Paralympic Games, this will set new promotional opportunities for Paralympic sport and the Paralympic Movement.

"It will also leave a powerful legacy across the United Kingdom and it is a huge boost for the London 2012 Games and the Paralympic Games that the Paralympic Games has its first exclusive sponsor.

"I think it's super and the people of Britain can be confident that LOCOG and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) are doing everything they can to set up an incredible Paralympic and Olympic Games."

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