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What are the Economic and Sporting Benefits from the 2012 Games?
BUSINESS
The Games will provide a unique opportunity for Businesses across the UK to secure Olympic related contracts.
During times of austerity it is important that Northern Ireland is well placed to secure such contracts to bolster the local economy.
Local companies will have the opportunity to gain contracts from the two main phases; viz., infrastructure developments and the operation of the games. Such opportunities can range from supplying roofing materials to electronic scoreboards for the infrastructure stage to providing security software systems or food to the operation phase of the games.
The Competefor network has allowed hundreds of companies from across Northern Ireland to ‘bid’ for Olympic contracts.
To date Northern Irish companies have secured numerous contracts bringing vital revenue into the Economy.
InvestNI are the Lead organisation of the Business element of the Northern Ireland 2012 Strategy.
TOURISM
One of the many positive aspects of the Games is an assessment that Tourism stands to benefit by hundreds of £millions from the UK hosting the Games and although the main benefit will be to the Greater London area – there will be opportunities for Northern Ireland to use the Olympics as a vehicle to communicate our destination message to a huge global audience
With such a large number of visitors to the UK it is imperative that Northern Ireland is well positioned to maximise such an opportunity to attract visitors to Northern Ireland.
Looking ahead, the years 2012 and 2013 are envisaged to be an exciting time for Northern Ireland. 2012 sees not only the Olympic and Paralympic Games on our doorstep, it will also see the Centenary commemoration of the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
2013 will also see Derry/Londonderry assume the mantle of UK Capital of Culture and the arrival of the World Police and Fire Games to Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board are the lead organisation on the Tourism element of the Northern Ireland 2012 strategy.
SPORT
The Sports element of the 2012 Strategy for Northern Ireland, is aligned with the objectives contained in the Sport Matters: The Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, 2009 – 2019. The Strategy focuses on the 3 key themes of Participation, Performance and Places.
The hosting of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London provides a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of sport and deliver improved athletic performance. In addition, the 2012 Games will offer an opportunity to encourage physically active lifestyles among the wider population, particularly our young people.
The Northern Ireland 2012 Olympic and Paralympic strategy sets out the key targets for sport. These being:
Developing Physically literate young people Lifelong participation in sport Development of the coaching workforce Talent Identification and Athlete Development “Fit for Purpose” Governing Bodies Facilities
PRE GAMES TRAINING CAMPS (PGTC)
Northern Ireland has 26 Olympic venues and 8 Paralympic venues in the Pre Games Training Camp Guide.
Northern Ireland, through DCAL’s PSA target, aims to host 10 Olympic or Paralympic sports utilising NI's approved sports facilities. However, inclusion in the 2012 Guide does not guarantee success and vigorous efforts will be required to market Northern Ireland and the facilities to potential countries/teams to secure their usage.
Sport NI lead on the Sports element of the 2012 Strategy for Northern Ireland and have established a PGTC subgroup.
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