As the 2008 Olympics open in Beijing, Labour are wishing all Team GB competitors a successful Games – and are on track to deliver an Olympic legacy for Britain with London 2012.

Labour’s five promises for the 2012 Olympics are:

·    Making the UK a world-leading sporting nation
·    Regenerating the heart of East London
·    To inspire a generation of young people
·    To make the Olympic Park a blueprint for sustainable living
·    To demonstrate the UK is a creative, inclusive and welcoming place to live in, visit and for business.

In order to widen participation in sports, we are working to ensure that all people have access to affordable leisure and sporting facilities, while supporting community sports clubs and delivering the offer of five hours of sport a week for all children by 2012.   We have also announced a £140 million Swimming Challenge Fund to encourage local councils in England to offer free swimming to over 60s and under 16s.

But to further access to sport in the run up to the Olympics Labour will:

•    Help at least two million more people in England be more active by 2012.
Work towards free swimming for all by 2012
•    Provide the support needed for Elite athlete achievement.
•    Aim for 4th in the Olympic medal table and at least 2nd in the Paralympic medal table in 2012.

And finally we’d like to say good luck to  all of Team GB!