Wales must reap the benefits provided as a consequence of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosting the very first event of the 2012 Olympic Games, says Mohammad Asghar AM.
The Shadow Minister for Sport visited the Stadium’s fantastic facilities on Friday afternoon with DCLG Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Bob Neill MP, who holds special responsibilities linked to the Olympic Games.
Two days prior to the opening ceremony, the Millennium Stadium plays host to Olympic football, whilst recent announcements have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s GB football teams will play matches in Cardiff.
Mr Asghar said: “I continue to highlight the immense and widespread potential benefits for Wales of hosting the very first event of the 2012 Games.
“The Millennium Stadium is a truly fantastic venue and is the perfect setting to kick-off the 2012 Games.
“Efforts must be made to ensure Wales seizes the benefits of this landmark event – linked particularly to tourism, health & wellbeing and levels of sports participation”.
Eleven football games will be played across both the women’s and men’s tournaments at the home of Welsh sport, including the prestigious men’s quarter-final on 4 August and the Bronze Medal match on 10 August.
Welsh Rugby Union Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “The Millennium Stadium is honoured to be bringing the first ever Olympic Games to Welsh soil and to be staging the very first event ahead of any other venue for London 2012.
“This is great news for Wales. Sports fans all over the country will get the opportunity to watch world-class sporting action and cheer on the GB teams in the heart of our capital city and the eyes of the world will be on the Millennium Stadium.”
Cardiff’s iconic stadium has a proud history of staging major football events including the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Community Shield and is a great choice for sports fans looking to be part of the London 2012.
Tickets for Olympic football games will go back on sale from 11am on 29 November 2011. The Official Draw for the Olympic Football Tournament will take place on 24 April 2012 at Wembley Stadium.
