Mayor of London Boris Johnson has hit back at Olympic minister Tessa Jowell for saying Britain would not have bid for the Olympics had it been in a recession.
According to the BBC, Johnson said: "There is never a bad time to stage a spectacular event like the Olympics and Paralympic Games, and in the current economic climate, I believe London is extremely fortunate to be hosting the games.
"The case for the games - if anything - is stronger in difficult times, and I believe that the development underway in the east end will prove a vital shot in the arm for the city when it needs it most."
Johnson was responding to Jowell's speech at the pre-BISL conference dinner on Tuesday night, made in front of 40 senior leisure industry executives. In her speech she said: "Had we known what we know now" – about the economy –"would we have bid for the Olympics? Almost certainly not."
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of BISL, said: "Tessa Jowell's comment must be understood in context; she was talking about the wider economic benefits of the Olympics. Public money is being invested into the Olympics because private sector funding is no longer available. However the money is being invested into the facilities to run the Games and costs are being cut by building temporary facilities like the media centre.
"If the government isn't careful this will not allow for a legacy. The government needs to make sure that investment continues for facilities to be used after the Games to ensure a legacy in the facilities; something which is more difficult now we are in a recession.
"BISL have operators which want to be involved in operating the Olympic facilities, but the government are miles behind the tendering process."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has hit back at Olympic minister Tessa Jowell for saying Britain would not have bid for the Olympics had it been in a recession.
The European fitness sector is beating pre-pandemic numbers according to the 11th annual European Health & Fitness Market Report 2024 from Deloitte and EuropeActive, as Karsten Hollasch reports
In today's competitive fitness landscape, the key to success lies not only in providing
exceptional facilities but also in cultivating meaningful interactions with members.
THFI (The Health and Fitness Institute) proudly announces its recent recognition by CIMSPA
(Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) with an esteemed
'enhancing' rating.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has hit back at Olympic minister Tessa Jowell for saying Britain would not have bid for the Olympics had it been in a recession.
According to the BBC, Johnson said: "There is never a bad time to stage a spectacular event like the Olympics and Paralympic Games, and in the current economic climate, I believe London is extremely fortunate to be hosting the games.
"The case for the games - if anything - is stronger in difficult times, and I believe that the development underway in the east end will prove a vital shot in the arm for the city when it needs it most."
Johnson was responding to Jowell's speech at the pre-BISL conference dinner on Tuesday night, made in front of 40 senior leisure industry executives. In her speech she said: "Had we known what we know now" – about the economy –"would we have bid for the Olympics? Almost certainly not."
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of BISL, said: "Tessa Jowell's comment must be understood in context; she was talking about the wider economic benefits of the Olympics. Public money is being invested into the Olympics because private sector funding is no longer available. However the money is being invested into the facilities to run the Games and costs are being cut by building temporary facilities like the media centre.
"If the government isn't careful this will not allow for a legacy. The government needs to make sure that investment continues for facilities to be used after the Games to ensure a legacy in the facilities; something which is more difficult now we are in a recession.
"BISL have operators which want to be involved in operating the Olympic facilities, but the government are miles behind the tendering process."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has hit back at Olympic minister Tessa Jowell for saying Britain would not have bid for the Olympics had it been in a recession.
The European fitness sector is beating pre-pandemic numbers according to the 11th annual European Health & Fitness Market Report 2024 from Deloitte and EuropeActive, as Karsten Hollasch reports
When a hefty round of investment
coincided with the pandemic, the
CEO of Midtown Athletic Clubs
feared the company – founded by
his grandfather – would go down
on his watch. He talks to Kath
Hudson about the pressure to
keep the business afloat
Consumers’ growing love of strength training is to be welcomed, as this long-neglected modality has a renaissance, however, it’s vital we continue to make the case for cardio
In today's competitive fitness landscape, the key to success lies not only in providing
exceptional facilities but also in cultivating meaningful interactions with members.
THFI (The Health and Fitness Institute) proudly announces its recent recognition by CIMSPA
(Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) with an esteemed
'enhancing' rating.