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News

Poole Gets Behind Olympic Bid

Poole will support the 'London 2012' Olympic bid on Wednesday April 13^th with a day of special activities organised by Poole Tourism . During the morning an Olympic ‘support the bid’ flag will be unfurled at the Dolphin Shopping Centre and it is hoped that 2,012 people will show support for London by signing the flag.

At the forefront of Poole's 'Olympic Day' will be Poole's Olympic legend Rodney Pattison. At 11am the double gold medallist in 1968 and 1972 and silver medallist in 1976 – (Flying Dutchman sailing) will be joined at the flag signing in the Dolphin Shopping Centre by Broadstone’s Karen Legg who was 5^th in the free-style swimming event at the Sydney Olympics. Karen also won the gold medal in the 2001 World Championships.

At lunch-time Rodney Pattison will join students at Carter Community Sports College for further signing of the flag.

In the evening at Poole Speedway Rodney Pattison will be joined by other Poole Olympians, including Peter Allam - 1984 bronze medal - also in the ‘Flying Dutchman’ sailing event - and Peter Mills, goal-keeper for the Great Britain 1972 Olympics hockey team.

In addition the Poole Pirates Speedway stars will get behind the bid as the flag is paraded before the start of a special race timed to start at 20.12 after which the winner will sign the flag and select a British junior speedway rider to receive a special award of £200.

Matt Ford, promoter of Poole Speedway, said: "Speedway may not be an Olympic sport but London winning the bid would be fabulous for all sports and the country as a whole. It’s great to see Poole supporting London and likewise Poole Speedway are passionate about the promotion of Poole."

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy will host the sailing events if the London bid is successful and Poole's diverse maritime businesses and high quality hotels will reap direct rewards.

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, who have organised Poole's Olympic day, said: "Don't rule London out. Paris may be favourites right now but it would not be the first time that the second favourite has come through with a late winning challenge. Weymouth and Portland’s success is Poole's success and the training camps and media circus that build towards the Olympic Games would give huge opportunities for local businesses and for local people to enjoy."

Graham Shaw, Head of Communications and Tourism, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633273