Teesside stars back Olympic ambition

Teesside sporting stars have joined a growing campaign to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England.

A number of Olympians and Paralympians from the region are among more than 40 athletes backing the Great North Games vision, which aims to secure the Games for the North in 2040.

Among the Teesside signatories are Olympic sprint relay medallist Richard Kilty, table tennis Olympian Paul Drinkhall, Paralympic gold medallists Jack Smith MBE, Faye Rogers and Susie Rodgers MBE, Olympic swimmer Aimee Willmott, Olympic athlete Allison Curbishley and Olympic cycling medallist Chris Newton.

Olympic sprint relay medallist Richard Kilty

They join some of Britain's most recognisable sporting names, including Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, Steve Cram and Beth Tweddle.

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 added: “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 backing represents the strongest athlete support yet for the proposal, which would see the Games hosted across the North of England.

Momentum behind the bid has grown in recent months, with northern mayors and civic leaders calling on the Government to explore the opportunity.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “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.”

Last week, the Government confirmed it would begin an initial strategic assessment into the feasibility of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted in the North.

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