From the British Olympic Association
The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced today that ‘Team GB House’ will be located in a prime location, just a javelin throw away from the Olympic Park, at Westfield Stratford City.
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games the venue and its fixtures, fittings and equipment will be handed over by the BOA, free of cost, to the British Paralympic Association (BPA) to support ParalympicsGB.
The contract, which was finalised today, sees the BOA become the first National Olympic Committee to sign an agreement to utilise space at the One Stratford Place office development within Westfield Stratford City. Team GB will occupy a 1,947 square metre area on the eighth floor, overlooking the Olympic Park and Stadium.
Team GB House will provide unprecedented operational support to enhance Team GB’s performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games. As well as facilities to directly support British athletes and coaches, it will also incorporate areas to engage with key stakeholders including Olympic partners, media and supporters of Team GB.
At the heart of Team GB House will be a friends and family zone, which will provide a dedicated space for British athletes to momentarily step out of the limelight and meet with their loved ones in a safe and secure environment both prior to, and during, the Games.
A key function of Team GB House will be hosting the main operations centre that will act as the fulcrum of Team GB operations, transport and logistics at Games time. The main operations centre will feed information to members of Team GB on the ground at the Olympic venues to support British athletes and coaches in their quest for performance success.
Crucially, the facility allows the BOA to offer additional performance services to Team GB athletes and support staff, including performance analysis and consultation space, as well as meeting and work space for sports to utilise.
Team GB House will also cater for Team GB’s partners, sponsors, key supporters and stakeholders, enabling them to share in the celebration of Team GB success and provide opportunities to honour the distinguished British Olympians from previous Games, including those who represented Team GB the last time London hosted the Olympic Games in 1948.
To help meet the anticipated huge media demand for Team GB news and interviews, Team GB House will also offer access to British athletes for broadcast and written media just outside of the Olympic accredited zone.
The BOA will begin to move into the site in early 2012 to commence fitting out and testing systems before opening for Team GB in early July 2012.
Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO said:
“Team GB House will be our operational heartbeat during the London 2012 Olympics. It is an important component in our strategy to deliver the very best possible support and preparation environment to Team GB to enhance athlete performance.
“The excellent facilities at Westfield Stratford City, combined with its ideal location adjacent to the Olympic Park allow us to offer unprecedented layers of support to Team GB athletes, their families and close friends. It also offers important opportunities to engage with our partners and supporters, media and to celebrate British Olympians from previous Games.
“We are really pleased to be able to hand over the facility to our colleagues at the BPA following the conclusion of the Olympic Games, and we hope it will help British athletes to achieve further inspirational performances during the Paralympics.”
Tim Reddish, British Paralympic Association Chairman said:
“We are delighted that the BOA has secured such a fantastic site for Team GB House and will generously hand this over to the BPA for our use during the Paralympic Games. The facilities on offer coupled with Westfield Stratford City’s close proximity to the athlete’s village will enable us to take a real step forward in terms of the support that we can offer to the sports and athletes.
“It’s a great example of how the BOA and BPA are working collaboratively to maximise the opportunities of a Home Games.”
John Burton, Director of Westfield Stratford City said:
“We are delighted that Team GB are to be our first Olympic clients here at Westfield Stratford City. It is an honour to host the team during 2012 and we are proud to be working with them during this prestigious event. We look forward to accommodating the Team GB athletes as well as their friends and family. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained within Westfield Stratford City and our world-class hospitality facilities will provide the perfect respite from the crowds.”
Notes to editors
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to transform British lives through the power of the Olympic values and the success of Team GB. The BOA’s role is to prepare the ‘Best of British’ athletes for, and lead them at, the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values and brand in the UK.
The BOA receives no funding from the lottery or government, has no political interests and is completely dependent upon fundraising income to achieve its mission. The BOA is the strong, independent voice for British Olympic Sport. For further information, go to: www.olympics.org.uk
Team 2012, presented by Visa, is the official support programme for British athletes striving to be selected for Team GB and ParalympicsGB. Team 2012 is raising funds for vital support services assisting over 1,200 athletes across 47 Olympic and Paralympic sports and disciplines who are in training to be selected to represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the London 2012 Games.
Westfield Stratford City:
At 1.9 million sq ft Westfield Stratford City will be the largest urban shopping centre in Europe and the prestigious gateway to London’s Olympic Park. An innovative fusion of different brands, experiences and formats will grace the magnificent three-level mall and a beautifully designed lifestyle street. Art and culture will be integral to the experience; from the striking architecture of individual retail districts, to new retail concepts, cultural collaborations, events and installations that will enhance this next generation of retail space. Westfield Stratford City is set to transform London’s retail landscape and provides the ultimate opportunity for the world’s most stimulating and interesting brands.
Westfield Stratford City is the £1.45bn retail and leisure destination opening on 13th September this year. As the prestigious gateway to the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City will see 70% of all spectators travel through the scheme en route to the Park. The development includes 300 shops, over 70 food and beverage offers, 3 hotels, a 17-screen Vue cinema, 14-lane bowling and a casino. Westfield has its own dedicated in-house team to work with Olympic clients who are seeking a prime location during the Games.
For further information on Team GB please contact BOA Communications Officer Phil Wilkinson on philip.wilkinson@boa.org.uk / 0207 842 5721 / 07525 951067.
For further information on Westfield please contact Laura Passam, Corporate Affairs Executive on laura.passam@westfield-uk.com / 0207 061 1861.
UPCOMING SJA DATES
- Thu July 14: SJA Sporting lunch with Charles van Commenee, head coach of UK Athletics, one year ahead of the London Olympics. For booking details click here.
- Mon Sep 12: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill GC. Click here for more details and to book yourself in for the day.
- Wed Dec 7: SJA 2011 British Sports Awards – Booking now open. For more details, click here.
All details subject to alteration. Keep checking sportsjournalists.co.uk for updates