(* Chris with Olympic medallists Jonathan Edwards and Leon Taylor)

Chris Mole MP today (April 21st 2008) heard from former Olympic Triple-Jump Champion and world-record holder Jonathan Edwards, about Ipswich's key role in the London 2012 Olympics.

The Games will not just be an event for London but something the whole nation can participate in and signs already indicate that Ipswich stands to benefit.

Chris met Jonathan, and Athens 2004 Diving Silver Medallist Leon Taylor, at a reception hosted by Nations and Regions East, who have been charged with maximising the benefits of the 2012 Olympiad for the Eastern region. Ipswich's close proximity to the Games, which will be centred in Stratford, East London, places the town in a prime position to benefit from the 2012 Games.

London 2012 will have a hugely positive impact in encouraging young people to participate in sport, giving them the opportunity to see top athletes first hand, and use Olympic standard facilities. 65 venues covering 27 sports in the East of England have already been included in the Guide for National and Paralympic Committees to consider as possible training venues. In Ipswich, these include: Ipswich Town Football Club's Training Ground; the Ipswich Gymnastics Centre; and Northgate Sports Centre.

Ipswich also stands to benefit financially from the Games, for the run up to the 2012 Games, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) have committed £1 million to support East of England Tourism (EET) in promoting the Eastern region and its destinations. Furthermore, businesses in Ipswich are in a strong position to compete for contracts in the run up to the Games and can register on the tendering website.

Chris said:

"The 2012 Games is not just for Londoners. It is a fantastic celebration which the whole country can participate in, and one that Ipswich is particularly well positioned to benefit from given its close proximity to the Olympic site.

"I am positive that the Games will generate massive enthusiasm amongst young people in our already sport-mad town, by having Olympic athletes just like Jonathan and Leon, training right on their doorstep, using Ipswich's top-class facilities.

"What's more, the boost to business and tourism that the Games will bring means more jobs, more money and a lasting legacy for the people of Ipswich."