Tim Lamb (pictured), the chief executive of Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) made the claim as his organisation hosted a conference on the Olympics entitled: “2012 – More than Just Medals”.

 

He said: “What we are saying is that equal weight and equal attention needs to be given to a nationwide sporting legacy so that we can get people up off their armchairs, out of their cars, being more physically active.

 

“We just want to ensure there is every bit as much attention given to that aspect of the Games as the other aspects such as the training of the athletes and the building of the facilities.”

 

Coe, the key note speaker at the conference in London, responded with a robust defence of London’s vision. “We have a very, very clear strategy for maximising participation at community group level, grassroots level, right across the board nationally and through London,” he added.

 

Commitments to community benefits from the London 2012 Games, he claimed, include increased participation in sport in London and the United Kingdom.

 

“We have a unique opportunity that we must not squander to increase   participation in sport, at community and grass roots levels as well as elite levels; from the school playground to the winner’s podium,” Coe said.

Coe laid out the strategic objectives, which underlie London’s vision of hosting an inspirational, safe and inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games that leave a sustainable legacy for London and the UK.

 

These included:   

• To stage an inspirational Olympic and Paralympic Games for athletes, the Olympic Family and the public
• To deliver the Olympic Park and all venues on time and within budget to minimise the use of public funds and provide a sustainable legacy
• To maximise the economic, social, health and environmental benefits of the Games for the UK, particularly through regeneration and sustainable development in East London.

 

“The concept for the London Games will be tested, verified and validated in order to achieve the best possible balance between the long-term planning and infrastructure needs of the community with the short term needs of cutting edge facilities for the Games,” Coe said.

“The Games provides us with a unique opportunity to fast forward the regeneration of a hard pressed area by 25, 50 or even 100 years.”

LOCOG chief executive, Paul Deighton said community regeneration is at the heart of commitments to maximise opportunities from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to create a bright new future for sport linked to long term community benefits.

“We are not just creating a sports park, we are helping to regenerate a community,” said Deighton. “We are not just putting in new stadia.  We will be putting in utilities that can support a community and house thousands of people in new homes with new schools and hospitals.”

Coe said the Olympic and Paralympic Games could help to boost participation in non Olympic sports. “The Games can inspire people outside of a purely elite sporting context to participate in sport,” he Coe said.