In an effort to help generate more public interest in the London 2012 Olympic Games, the British High Commission has launched an innovative Olympic competition.
Up for grabs is a bag full of London 2012 memorabilia, signed by none other than Barbados’ own World Champion, Ryan M. Brathwaite.
“We are very excited about the prospect of hosting the Olympic Games,” said Paul Brummel, the British High Commissioner.
He was speaking to the media at Ben Mar, his official residence, as Brathwaite autographed the limited-edition memorabilia. The lucky winners of the competition will also be invited to a “One Year to Go’ celebratory party at Ben Mar in a month’s time.
The competition is simple. To enter, contestants must visit the British High Commissions’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UKinBarbados. From there, aspirants will be asked to answer three questions pertaining to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The British High Commission will then choose two correct entries.
The competition is open to citizens of the Eastern Caribbean.
“It is important that the Olympic Games in London is something that survives,” Brummel continued. “This is why the Games are being held in five of the traditionally poorest areas in London. A huge amount of effort has been set aside to help regenerate London during the course of the Olympic preparations.”
An estimated 9.3 billion pounds have been set aside by the British Treasury for the London 2012 Games, making it one of the most expensive Games in the history of the Olympic movement.
“It demonstrates our commitment to a successful Games,” the Commissioner added. “Around 75p in every pound – around three quarters of the funding going in to the Games – is spending that will have a long-term effect. For example, a great effort has been taking place around the Olympic Park to clean the old polluted soil which has been contaminated from a century of industrial neglect. We want these Games to have a lasting legacy. This is the way we play our little part.”
The London 2012 Olympic will run between July 27 and August 12.
