Barbara Cassani confirms key role for Lord's in London's Olympic bid

Date released: 16 January 2004

Lord's Cricket Ground will play a key role in London's bid to stage the 2012 Olympic Games, according to Barbara Cassani - the Chairman of London 2012.

Speaking on Friday 16th January, at the official launch of London's bid, Barbara Cassani confirmed that the Ground is set to host the Olympic archery competition if London wins the right to stage the Games.

The move follows MCC's offer, announced in August, to give every practicable assistance to London's Olympic bid team, to help ensure that the capital can host the Games for the first time since 1948.

Barbara Cassani said: "We are delighted to include Lord's in London's Olympic bid. Not only is Lord's a world-famous sports facility but - crucially - it is a truly world-class venue as well. With its stunning NatWest Media Centre, its wonderful Pavilion and its new state-of-the-art outfield, the inclusion of Lord's has certainly strengthened London's bid. I am sure that everyone in the archery event would relish the opportunity to compete at Lord's - one of the best and most atmospheric sports venues anywhere in the world."

MCC's Secretary & Chief Executive, Roger Knight, said: "I am delighted that Lord's will be playing an important part in London's bid to stage the 2012 Games. Lord's has excellent facilities, a worldwide reputation and a long track record of staging top-class sport. We hope these assets will work to the capital's advantage in the competition to stage the Olympics in 2012. We are proud to be part of London's very impressive Olympic bid - and we would love the opportunity to welcome the Olympic family to Lord's."

If London's Olympic bid proves successful, it is envisaged that the archery competition would be held on the outfield at Lord's - in the area between the Pavilion and the square.