Lasting legacy [sustainable Olympic Games

Abstract

At the cornerstone of the bid for the 2012 Olympics were the plans to make this the most sustainable Olympic Games on record and leave a lasting legacy both on east London and the shape of future Games. Plans for a new Olympic park based around the deprived area of Stratford in London's East End presented a powerful case for transforming the social and sporting landscape of the capital. Legacy was the word, and it was used often to deliver the message - give us the Games, and one of the world's great capital cities will be transformed. It was a vision that offered a new national athletics stadium, aquatic centre and velodrome. But it also fitted in with the idea of compact, non-wasteful Games, with several temporary venues to be relocated elsewhere in the UK. There would be no white elephants. Only history will record the success of the sustainability strategy but the early signs are encouraging. Their ambition is to rejuvenate neglected communities in London, promote healthier and better lifestyles across the UK and beyond, change the way people everywhere perceive disability, and inspire an entire generation to participate in sport. By building the stage and hosting the Games, the construction, catering, hospitality and events companies show the value of incorporating sustainability practices.