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Cardiff's bold Olympic bid
2nd October 2005, 08:52
Cardiff is launching a bid to host more high profile events at the 2012 Olympics.
Officials at County Hall have already held initial talks with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) about ways to bring more lucrative events to the city in seven years' time.
The city has already been given the green light to host some of the Olympic football games at the Millennium Stadium and now councillors are hoping the sports village in Cardiff Bay will mean more sports coming to the capital in 2012.
The council is bidding for the Olympic canoeing events and is hoping to use the city's proposed white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay for the games.
Should the capital be given the water-based events, the city and surrounding areas can expect a huge financial boost, both in terms of income and jobs.
Work on the centre at the proposed international sports village could begin as early as the next financial year and be completed within 18 months.
Cardiff council corporate director Tom Morgan said: 'Although there are other white-water rafting centres, this will be unique in the UK and we believe we could host canoeing events at the 2012 games and we are talking to the DCMS about this facility.'
He said there was also a good opportunity for Cardiff to host one of the major teams such as Australia.
'And that's not just in Olympic year, but in the couple of years before as they acclimatise to UK conditions ready for the games,' he added.
News of the bid has been welcomed. A spokesman for Cardiff Chamber of Commerce said: 'The London Olympics is not just a great opportunity for London but for the whole of Wales and Cardiff.
'Holding the canoeing here would be a great boost because it would bring lots of spectators and visitors, and we know how to look after a large number of visitors here in Cardiff.'
Hotel bosses said hosting more events would be of real benefit. Angel Hotel personnel manager Karen Price said: 'It would be excellent for business.'
A spokeswoman for the Wales Tourist Board said: 'The Olympic Games will be a valuable opportunity for us to promote Wales to a wide audience, with the aim of encouraging visitors to the Olympic Games to extend their stay by coming to Wales.'
Cathy Owen
South Wales Echo
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