Andrew Flintoff and Denise Lewis back the 'Sport is GREAT' campaign
Olympic gold medallist and Ashes hero to promote Britain鈥檚 passion for sport听to the world.
Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis and former England cricketer and Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff are to be ambassadors for the GREAT campaign, helping to promote the UK around the world.
The announcement was made today by the Prime Minister, as he launched 鈥楽port is GREAT鈥� at a reception at 10 Downing Street for sport stars past and present, who are in London for the Laureus World Sport Awards 2012.
Sport is GREAT is part of the wider GREAT campaign promoting all that is best about the UK.听 With the Diamond Jubilee and London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the eyes of the world will be on the UK in 2012. The Government is determined to make the most of this opportunity, to promote the UK as a great place to visit, study, invest and do business.听
The Prime Minister said:
鈥淪port plays an important part in all our lives, from the stars that inspire us, to unforgettable sporting moments and the thrill of taking part ourselves.听 I am delighted to support the launch of 鈥楽port is GREAT鈥�, celebrating British sport in this fantastic Olympic and Paralympic year.鈥�
, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, said:
鈥淣o country is more passionate about its sport than the UK. This summer we鈥檙e hosting the greatest sporting event on the planet and it gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase all that is great about Britain to the world.鈥�
听Denise Lewis said:
听
鈥淪port plays a huge role in our national life, particularly so this year.听 I am proud to have represented my country at the highest level, and I am delighted to be an Ambassador for the GREAT campaign, alongside other Great British sportsmen and women.听 Through the 2012 Olympics and beyond, I look forward to telling the world what an amazing place this is to play and experience great sport.鈥�
Andrew Flintoff said:
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to support the GREAT campaign, and to be an Ambassador for 鈥楽port is GREAT Britain鈥�. It is an exciting year for us, and I want to share that with the people I meet from around the world.鈥�
Notes to Editors
1.听 is an international campaign to maximise the tourism and business opportunities of the UK hosting the 2012 Games.听 It involves representatives from across the political spectrum and non-government partners.
2.听DCMS announced on 9 June 2011 that creative communications agency Mother had been appointed to work with partners across Government to co-ordinate and develop communications activity to maximise the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics in 2012. The Prime Minister announced the new GREAT campaign during a visit to New York on 21 September 2011. Further details were announced by DCMS on 7 January 2012.
3.听Examples of the campaign materials can be downloaded from the DCMS flickr photostream.
4.听The Laureus World Sports Awards is the annual celebration of that achievement, when athletes from across the sporting spectrum are judged by the world鈥檚 media and the legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy and the work of the is showcased.
Press Enquiries: 020 7211 2210
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6000