Former 5000 meters world record holder David Moorcroft ans Coventry born and bred athlete has spoken about his pride in having part of the 2012 Olympic games in Coventry.
Yesterday The Ricoh Arena was chosen ahead of Leicester, Derby and Birmingham, to host qualifying football matches in the 2012 London Olympic games.
Moorcroft as chairman of the steering committee for the 2012 West Midlands group was instrumental in getting the decision from the Olympic organising Committee to give the Ricoh the games after Villa Park, the original choice, had to withdraw because of planned building work will not be completed in time.
Moorcroft said, “I know what Olympic cities look like and Coventry will come alive up to, during and beyond the Games. It will live with us forever and it will be a magical time. The Olympics has been a major part of my life and although I have never stood on the top of the rostrum like Jonathan (Edwards and fellow committee member) did, I have had so many magical Olympic moments throughout my life, both as a child inspired by people competing in the Olympics and also being there as an athlete, broadcaster and administrator.
“I never thought I would see the Olympics in my home country, let alone in my home city, so as a Coventrian it is an incredibly proud day. I am proud of what Coventry has been and is now, and what it will become in the future, and this stadium and the Olympic Games will play a major part in the Coventry we see in the future.
“This isn’t just an international football tournament, it is the Olympic Games and the whole spirit of the games will be embraced in this region.”
The Ricoh will be temporarily re-maned the City of Coventry Stadium for the event which kicks off on July 25, 2012, and was chosen after Villa Park pulled out due to redevelopment commitments.
Moorcroft then went on to say, “I would like to thank the London 2012 Organising Committee for having the faith in Coventry and The City of Coventry Stadium to host Olympic sport and we will do everything we can to make you really proud of this venue. There will be between five and ten games and we don’t know what the teams will be yet but each will bring their own cultural idiosyncrasies and it could be Brazil or whoever.
“They will be training in Coventry and their supporters and media will come. I can’t wait and I will certainly be here taking in some matches. One of the beauties of the games is that a huge amount of effort, probably more than any other Olympic games in history, has gone to make sure it isn’t just about the host city, but about the whole of the UK to maximise the benefits from business contracts, schools that will get involved and the immense cultural experience.”
Moorcroft reflected on the past glory of Coventry sports saying, “I have been through the good times and bad times in Coventry. As a kid there was full employment, we had the Jimmy Hill era at Coventry City so there was a successful football team, the rugby club was great, the swimming club was great and my club, Godiva Harriers, was among the best in the world at distance running.
“Then there were the not so good years when the city had to try to reposition itself and rediscover itself. This Arena is part of that because it used to be the old gas works and it was a massively brave decision to go for it and make it for more than just football. This is a symbol of Coventry in the future. We need to feel proud of the city and a lot of it starts with football because if the football team is buzzing then others tend to.”
Coventry City Football Club chairman Ray Ranson added, “Let’s hope the Sky Blues are in the Premier League by the time the first teams play here and that would give us even more to celebrate. It will certainly help put Coventry City on the map.”