THE Government is considering holding a victory parade through Central London to celebrate Great Britain’s medal haul in the Olympic Games.
Gold-medal winners such as Matthew Pinsent, Shirley Robertson, Kelly Holmes and Bradley Wiggins, would head the celebration, similar to the one that greeted England’s rugby union World Cup triumph last December.
The Government is eager to promote continued success in the world’s biggest sports event after the triumph of Sydney when 11 golds were won, the most since 1920. Such a parade would also assist London’s case to host the 2012 Games.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said yesterday: “Once the Games are over, we will want to sit down with the British Olympic Association and decide how best we can best recognise the success.”
The parade could take place in the West End of London, possibly in Oxford Street and Regent’s Street.
Advertisement
Tony Blair has visited the Games and that experience has increased his backing for the London bid. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, and Richard Caborn, the Minister for Sport, have also been to Athens to inspect the facilities and watch the Britain team.
The British Olympic Association set itself a target of between six and nine golds and 25 medals in Athens. It already has seven golds and 23 in all, with five days left.
The latest medal winner last night was Amir Khan, the 17-year-old lightweight boxer from Bolton who claimed at least a bronze when he stopped his opponent in the first round. He is the youngest British boxer to win an Olympic medal.
International Olympic Committee members have noted the enthusiasm of the British spectators, which has been demonstrated by the number of Union Jacks displayed on stands at events such as at the rowing finals last weekend.
In a timely boost to sport, ministers are pushing for a significant expansion of provision in state schools by ensuring that competitive games are available to all pupils. They believe that this would boost the next generation.
Advertisement
Discussions are taking place on a pledge for Labour’s general election manifesto to offer every child the chance to participate in competitive sports. At present, provision relies on the goodwil of teachers, ministers believe.