It may seem only yesterday that the Beijing Olympic and Paraolympic Games ended, but we are now less than two years away from London 2012. The euphoria that followed the award of the Games to London was rapidly converted into the hard work of preparation, construction and planning, and the results can already be seen. The Olympic Park is emerging fast, as President Pinera of Chile saw for himself during his recent visit to London. The new transport infrastructure is taking shape. And the logistical planning well under way.You can find plenty of information about preparations on www.london2012.com
London is determined to ensure a long-lasting sporting and social legacy for the city and its communities after the Olympic Games are over. These will be the “Green” Games, show casing green technology and the way a major event of this sort can be held in an environmentally sustainable way. They will highlight the very best values of tolerance, moderation and openness amongst the peoples of the world. And they will show Britain as the vibrant, open and modern society it is today: forward looking, cosmopolitan and multicultural.
There will be many events all around the world relating to and promoting London 2012 over the next two years. I hope very much that we shall be able to mark the days towards the next Olympic Games in Bolivia as well. Bolivians love sport. Football, cycling, shooting and racket sports are amongst Bolivia’s sporting strengths, and it would be magnificent to see a strong Bolivian team competing for medals in London 2012. The Sub-15 Bolivian football team have shown recently just what can be done with energy, focus and commitment. London 2012 is not just an opportunity for my country, but for Bolivia as well.