Starter's gun fired for an Olympic Games in the north of England
The starter's gun was fired today for an Olympic Games in the north of England.In a major announcement, the Government confirmed UK Sport will conduct 'an initial strategic assessment' to examine the possibility of the north hosting the Games during the 2040s.The assessment will consider costs, socio-economic benefits and, ultimately, the chance of success. The Government said the assessment was also part of a new 'growth drive' to use sports as a catalyst to power regeneration of towns and cities.There's currently, however, no firm commitment to a formal bid, which if successful would bring the Games back to Britain after London 2012.Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily NewsletterBut the news will have northerners dreaming of the greatest sporting spectacle in the world being held on their doorstep - a rowing regatta for the ages at Salford Quays and cycling on the picturesque passes and peaks of the Lake District's fells.The finest athletes on the globe competing at arenas in Manchester and Liverpool and footballing nations battling it out at Old Trafford and The Etihad.Any final decision on if, and when, a future bid might take place would be for the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association to take.Manchester was unsuccessful in a 1993 bid to stage the 2000 Olympic Games, which were ultimately awarded to Sydney in Australia.The city did, however, succeed with a bid and hosted a memorable Commonwealth Games in 2002 - which led to an unprecedented legacy of urban regeneration.The Government, making the announcement on Sunday, said it 'firmly sees' major sporting events and facilities as 'playing a key role in driving economic growth, regeneration, improving pride in place and bolstering the UK's global appeal'.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the Labour MP for Wigan, said it was 'time the Olympics and Paralympics came north'."London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country," Ms Nandy said. "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 findings of the initial assessment will determine whether a more detailed technical feasibility study is undertaken to examine costs, benefits and viability of hosting the Games.It's also been announced that a new cross-government programme will work with sporting bodies on 'priority sports infrastructure development projects' - like stadiums - to help deliver local regeneration and commercial growth.Funding will not be used for the regeneration of stadiums, but the Government said it would work with sports clubs and leagues to 'unlock opportunities for large-scale housing delivery, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvement and community sports facilities'.A new Sporting Events Bill will also be introduced to Parliament on Thursday. The Government said the new Bill would make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events in the future. The same Bill will also make the unauthorised resale of tickets for designated major events a criminal offence.A collaboration of mayors and leaders across the north, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, formed a group named 'The Great North' and in February called on the Government to commit that any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid is homed in the north.The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, 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."The Government is already backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029, as well as the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup.The next summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
