Yorkshire Coast Mayors Back Northern Olympic And Paralympic Games Bid

The government has commissioned an initial strategic assessment to explore whether the North of England could host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s.

The government has commissioned UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment to examine whether the North of England could host the Olympic and Paralympic Games during the 2040s.

The expert arm's-length body will assess key factors including potential costs, socioeconomic benefits, and the overall chance of a successful bid for what would be the first UK-hosted Games since London 2012.

This initiative is part of an ambitious growth drive designed to use major sporting events and facilities to power the regeneration of towns and cities, improve local pride, and bolster the global appeal of the country.

The Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, who won a gold medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics, shared his enthusiasm for the potential bid.

Luke Campbell said:

"Some very exciting news, myself and the rest of the mayors are going to put a bid in to bring the Olympics to the north.

How exciting would that be to inspire the next generation?

We all knew what 2012 did for our country. Let's get it to the north."

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, believes the region is perfectly positioned to welcome the world.

David Skaith said:

"The North is ready to welcome the world and play host to the Olympic Games. We have the sporting heritage, transport hubs and an internationally renowned brand.

"Northern areas like Yorkshire have pulled its weight at every recent Olympics. We always bring home the medals. Now it's time to bring the Olympic flame home too.

"We've proven our ability to put on a great show on the global stage. Let's go a step further and bring the Olympics to the Great North."

British Paralympian Grace Harvey, who trained in the North, believes the region has the talent and infrastructure to deliver a spectacular event.

Grace Harvey said:

"I think it'd be absolutely incredible if the Olympics and Paralympic games were to be hosted in the north of England. I mean, I remember the buzz and excitement there was for for London back in 2012, but the cities are like Manchester and Liverpool and so many more up north has such a ripe talent for having such sporting prowess and like we know that the north is capable of showcasing what sporting talent there is out there, so for them to be able to showcase the games in the 2040s would be absolutely insane."

She also highlighted the existing world-class venues available across the region.

Grace Harvey said:

"I think it would really be so great for the North. You know, there are so many amazing sporting facilities that are already there, for example, the Commonwealth Games in 2002 were held in Manchester and that pool is fantastic. It's where many Olympians and Paralympians currently train for swimming, and there's so many great facilities, but the North is such a welcoming place like, and there's so much culture up there. I think it would be really special to showcase what the North of England can deliver for a multi-sport games."

The prospect of multiple locations joining forces is another key advantage for the region.

Grace Harvey said:

"I think any northern city could put on a fantastic games, and the fact that so many cities could be co-hosting would be incredible. Like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, they're all such exciting cities, so much culture, so much history. It's not just about watching sport in those cities, it's also about how easy it is to travel around those cities up north as well, which I think would really add to the ethos and the culture of the games."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the North has driven sporting excellence for far too long without hosting the main event.

Lisa Nandy said:

"London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

"But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract - for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

"Not any more. It's time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn't be more pleased to announce that we're starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North."

The Government has also announced a wave of new initiatives to use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration, including a Stadium Regeneration Accelerator programme.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confirmed the government's backing for both the Games and local infrastructure projects.

Rachel Reeves said:

"Britain's sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It's something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.

"That's why we're throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It's also why we're backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond."

Any final decision on whether a future bid will take place will ultimately be made by the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.