Oliver Coppard to host counterparts in Sheffield for northern Olympics and Paralympics bid
The event will focus on how the north can develop a “credible, deliverable vision” for a future bid
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard will host his counterparts from across the north in Sheffield today (June 23) to discuss their bid for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event - at Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park - will mark the first major gathering since the Government announced it would explore the feasibility of a northern-hosted Games.
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A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYCMA) said the Attercliffe-based legacy park - created as part of the legacy of London 2012 - provided a “fitting backdrop” for the discussions.
The event will focus on how the north can develop a “credible, deliverable vision” for a future bid, says South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
Earlier this year northern mayors and leaders under the The Great North umbrella called on Government to explore the potential to hold the Games across the North of England.
Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes from across the country have united behind the ambition, adding their names to a joint statement of support for a north of England Games.
The statement reads: "A Great North Games would be a national Games. It would bring the country together in common purpose. It would showcase the very best of Great Britain."
"We believe that hosting a Games in the North of England in 2040 would be a moment of renewal and confidence for the entire United Kingdom."
Among over 40 athletes supporting the bid are Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey and Britain’s most successful Paralympian Tom Pidcock.
Speaking ahead of today’s meeting South Yorkshires mayor Mr Coppard said: “This is an important moment.
“Not only do we have some of our country’s greatest living athletes backing plans for an Olympic Games in the North of England, we have real momentum building behind that plan.
“Today’s summit in Sheffield represents the next step forward on that journey.
“We know what we’re capable of here in South Yorkshire and across the North, we’ve got the talent, the ambition, and the passion to deliver something truly special.
“A Great North Games would be about more than just sport - it would be a catalyst for opportunity, for investment and for inspiring the next generation of athletes.
“South Yorkshire can play a central role, with the whole north of England helping turn that vision into a reality.”
A SYCMA spokesperson said the event would bring together leaders from sport, government and civic institutions to consider how a future Games could deliver lasting benefits for communities across the north.
They added: “The Great North's vision is for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games that harnesses the region's world-class sporting assets and accelerates investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across Northern communities.”
Mr Coppard will be joined by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, where Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Luke Campbell.
The full list of supporting athletes and leading sport figures includes Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, Tom Pidcock, Ed Clancy, gymnast Beth Tweddle, Steve Cram, Sir Brendan Foster, Laura Weightman, Marc Scott, Susie Rodgers, Krysten Coombs, Rob Davies and Poppy Maskill.