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You did it - Poole's support for Olympic Bid pays off

Poole is joining in the success of London's Olympic Bid following today's landmark announcement that the 2012 Olympics will be held in the UK.

Over the last 2 years Poole Tourism has been showing its support for the London bid, just eight weeks ago hosting its own special Back the Bid day. 

Poole's very own Olympians Rodney Pattison and Karen Legg led Poole Tourism's Back the Bid events in April, where over 3000 local people at venues including the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Carter Community School, showed their support by signing the Olympic flag.

Bruce Grant Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Management Board, said: "Including the Olympic bid logo on the front of the Poole Visitor Guide and hosting Back the Bid events have been highly effective ways of demonstrating Poole Tourism's support and helping to raise the profile of the bid.  This victory will have a huge impact and  Poole intends to play its full part in the Olympic Sailing events to make sure they are a huge success not just during the games but in the years building up to it."

Cllr Ron Parker, Local Economy Portfolio Holder, said: "This is great news for tourism and marine industries in Poole that will undoubtedly be supporting the yachting events in Weymouth & Portland.  Although it's too early to put a precise figure on value of the games to Poole, it could be as much as £2million direct Tourism benefit and worth millions to Dorset and the region." 

-ends-

Editor's Notes:

Rodney Pattison won double gold medals in 1968 and 1972 and was a silver medallist in 1976 in Flying Dutchman sailing.  Broadstone's Karen Legg was 5^th in the free-style swimming event at the Sydney Olympics. Karen also won the gold medal in the 2001 World Championships.

Graham Richardson, Poole Tourism Manager