Olympians back Northern Games ambition

A coalition of leading British athletes has thrown its support behind ambitions to bring a future Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England, adding momentum to proposals currently being explored by Government.

More than 40 Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes have signed a joint statement backing the vision for a future Great North Games, including some of the biggest names in British sport.

Among those supporting the proposal are Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, Tom Pidcock, Beth Tweddle and Steve Cram, alongside Olympic and Paralympic medallists from across the country.

The show of support comes as the Government begins an initial strategic assessment into the feasibility of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North of England.

Earlier this year, northern mayors and civic leaders, through The Great North partnership, called on the Government to explore the opportunity, arguing that a multi-city Games could build on the legacy of London 2012 while delivering investment and regeneration across northern communities.

Supporters believe the proposal has been strengthened by the International Olympic Committee’s increasing willingness to consider multi-city hosting models, opening the door to a distributed Games built around existing venues and infrastructure.

In their joint statement, athletes described a Northern-hosted Games as an opportunity to unite communities and showcase the country on the global stage.

They said: “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.”

Athletes also highlighted the North’s track record in staging major sporting events, its world-class venues and its passion for sport.

The statement added that hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in the North in 2040 could be “a moment of renewal and confidence for the entire United Kingdom”.

The growing support will be discussed further at an event at Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park, hosted by South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and North East mayor Kim McGuinness.

Leaders from across the North, sporting governing bodies and athletes will come together to discuss how a credible future bid could be developed.

Mayor McGuinness added: “The support of athletes who have represented Great Britain on the biggest stage of all is hugely significant. 

“They understand better than anyone the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire, unite and transform lives.

“A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, powered by the pride and participation of Northern communities, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. 

“This growing movement of support shows the strength of feeling behind the idea and the opportunity it presents for the whole country.

“We're grateful to every athlete who has added their name to this vision and look forward to working together as we take the next steps.”

Mayor Coppard added: “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.”

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