Echo News
Bring on the Games: Cameron's letter in full
11:30am Wednesday 8th February 2012
It’s just under six months to go until the greatest show on earth comes to the UK, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Dorset has a huge part to play. We’re going to see spectacular sailing competitions featuring more than 400 of the world’s top sailors, watched by thousands of visitors from across the globe.
Whether it is from the vantage point of Nothe Gardens, or the giant screens on Weymouth beach, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Before the Games even begin, Dorset will be playing its part, with the Olympic torch threading through Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and other stops in the country.
With that flame blazing through Dorset, the message is going to go out loud and clear: 2012 is a chance for everyone to be inspired by the Olympics.
It’s a chance for school children to get into competitive sports – and it’s fantastic that more than two hundred schools in Dorset have signed up to the Olympics-inspired School Games.
It’s a chance for businesses in the area to attract new trade and new tourists, seizing on the fact that this summer the eyes of the world will be on Dorset.
And it’s a chance for the whole county to showcase everything Dorset has to offer, from the stunning Jurassic Coast and Portland Stone, to export and investment opportunities. Dorset has a lot to shout about and now is the time to do it.
The ‘Bring on the Games’ stickers and posters are absolutely symbolic of this spirit and I’m delighted that the Dorset Echo, Weymouth and Portland Operations Team, Chamber of Commerce and NHS Team Dorset Challenge Team have united to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in this way.
The sailing boat with the Union flag as its sail is the perfect symbol of how the people of Dorset are taking pride in their Olympics role, and flying the flag for the county and for Britain.
So, with world-class sport, a host of Olympics-inspired events, a boost for tourism and business, sporting opportunities, improved transport infrastructure, and much, much more, the Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to bring not just an incredible year for Dorset, but also a real and lasting legacy.
I wish you all the best for an incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I know the people of Dorset will seize this opportunity and make the most of 2012.
Bring on the Games!
David Cameron