Olympic legacy questioned

Labour have accused the Government of "squandering" the legacy of the Olympics on the anniversary of the 2012 Opening Ceremony. But ministers say the benefits cannot be judged for up to 10 years.

Live updates

Boris Johnson defends Olympics legacy

London Mayor Boris Johnson has defended the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics, arguing that the city has achieved more than any previous Olympic city in ensuring a "physical legacy".

Speaking to Daybreak, Mr Johnson said:

"The people who criticise the legacy are going to end up in the same position as the people who criticised the games.

Actually London has achieved more than any previous Olympic city in getting a physical legacy from the Games."

Advertisement

11% of public say they're more active due to the Games

Mo Farah pictured winning gold in the 5000m men's race at the 2012 Games Credit: Szwarc Henri/ABACA/Press Association Images

Public perceptions of the Olympic legacy appear low, according to a survey carried out for BBC News.

Only 11% said they are more physically active as a result of the Games.

Almost a third, 32%, said the Games had a positive impact on sports facilities.

22% said the Games had improved their local economy. And a similar figure, 21% said the Games had resulted in improved public services

The survey, carried out by ComRes, questioned 3,218 adults.

Government 'squandering' Olympic sporting legacy

Labour have slammed the Government for 'squandering' the legacy of the Olympic Games.

The party claimed the Conservatives have no strategy for sport, have scrapped PE targets and have failed to capitalise on the spirit and enthusiasm of the volunteer games makers.

David Cameron and Michael Gove have failed to secure a school sport legacy.

All children should be getting a minimum of two hours of rigorous exercise and competitive sport every week. But this Government has made that less likely. They need to change course.

– Stephen Twigg MP, Shadow Education Secretary

Full value of Olympics 'can't be judged for 10 years'

The full value of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics can not be judged for up to 10 years, according to Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

"I do not think the full benefits can be seen until at least three or five or probably 10 years after you have hosted the Games," he said during a speech marking the first anniversary since the Games.

The Olympic Opening Ceremony. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

The impact on sport from hosting the Games is "already extraordinary and compelling", he suggested, adding:

"We are the first host nation who has ever increased funding for Olympic and Paralympic athletes - by 11% and 43% for Paralympic athletes for the Games (Rio de Janeiro 2016) after a home Games."

Back to top