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London was chosen for the Olympics by one vote
over Paris in 2005. London is the first city to host the Olympic Games three times, having hosted them in 1908 and 1948 previously. The 1908 Olympics
were supposed to be in Rome but were moved to London because of damage caused
by the eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius. In
1948 games were referred to as the Austerity Games because of the damage to the
city of London lingering from WWII. Hosting the Olympics has changed a great deal since 1948, mostly due to the number of events and the cost of the Games.
Stuart shared many details about the planning process for the London 2012 games that most of us never consider. To begin with, the location chosen to build the many facilities to house the Olympics is one of the poorest not only in London, but in the whole U.K. The hope is that with careful planning for re-purposing of these facilities will bring new life to this area. The United Kingdom is much further invested in "green" living as a whole, so it is not surprising that this Olympics is the greenest of any on record. Great pains have been taken to re-use construction materials (such as the pipe that lines the Olympic Stadium which was gas pipe in abandoned warehouses in the area) and to carefully clean up the soil and water in the area that had years of pollution from the industry that once thrived in the area.
One lesson the London games are attempting to take from previous Olympics is devising a plan for each facility that is needed for the Olympics. Everything from the Olympic Village housing Olympians to the media building have detailed plans for how they will be re-purposed after the Olympics. The dream is that twenty years from now, this area will still be a special area of London with a special mark left from the 2012 Olympic games.
The London games are not without controversy. Issues that may be in the news during the games include the controversy over the London 2012 logo. Some say it looks like the Nazi swastika, some Muslims think it says Zion, which they find racist (Iran has threatened to boycott the games due to the logo, but have since said they will be participating). India has also expressed concern over the Olympic partnership of Dow Chemicals, whom they feel has not made proper restitution for the 1984 chemical spill by Union Carbide. Other concerns include the usual doping and security issues.
Lots of information and learning aside, we saw most of the Olympic facilities in Olympic park from the outside. The whole park is still under construction and there is significant security in place, so our tour was of the outside perimeter of the park. Below are photos highlights of what we saw. Not all fantastic photos, but they will be familliar sights in July.
Stuart showing the Olympic Stadium. Notice the white pipes, which are re-purposed from the gas pipes of the warehouses taken down to build the Olympic facilities. Also note that the upper levels of seating are temporary and will be removed after the Olympics. At that time, the stadium will be rented to a local soccer club as well as hosting other large athletic events.
Matt and the kids posting in front of the metal sculpture/viewing tower that will be opened to view the Olympic area AFTER the Olympics. The walkway to the top is quite narrow and will not accomodate the expected 800,000 people attending the games.
The Velodome (or Pringle as the locals call it as the roof resembles a Pringles chip)where cycling events will be hosted. This building will remain as cycling is a very popular sport. The white fluffy looking building in the background is the basketball arena. This is a temporary facility and may even be re-used in the 2016 games hosted by Rio de Janiero.
The Copper Box which will host handball, fencing and goalball. It will be turned into a community leisure facility (like a YMCA in America) following the Olympics.
The London Program students seemed to really appreciate the tour and the opportunity to learn about the business of hosting an Olympic Games.
Stuart shared many details about the planning process for the London 2012 games that most of us never consider. To begin with, the location chosen to build the many facilities to house the Olympics is one of the poorest not only in London, but in the whole U.K. The hope is that with careful planning for re-purposing of these facilities will bring new life to this area. The United Kingdom is much further invested in "green" living as a whole, so it is not surprising that this Olympics is the greenest of any on record. Great pains have been taken to re-use construction materials (such as the pipe that lines the Olympic Stadium which was gas pipe in abandoned warehouses in the area) and to carefully clean up the soil and water in the area that had years of pollution from the industry that once thrived in the area.
One lesson the London games are attempting to take from previous Olympics is devising a plan for each facility that is needed for the Olympics. Everything from the Olympic Village housing Olympians to the media building have detailed plans for how they will be re-purposed after the Olympics. The dream is that twenty years from now, this area will still be a special area of London with a special mark left from the 2012 Olympic games.
The London games are not without controversy. Issues that may be in the news during the games include the controversy over the London 2012 logo. Some say it looks like the Nazi swastika, some Muslims think it says Zion, which they find racist (Iran has threatened to boycott the games due to the logo, but have since said they will be participating). India has also expressed concern over the Olympic partnership of Dow Chemicals, whom they feel has not made proper restitution for the 1984 chemical spill by Union Carbide. Other concerns include the usual doping and security issues.
Lots of information and learning aside, we saw most of the Olympic facilities in Olympic park from the outside. The whole park is still under construction and there is significant security in place, so our tour was of the outside perimeter of the park. Below are photos highlights of what we saw. Not all fantastic photos, but they will be familliar sights in July.
TThe Aquatic Centre which will become a community aquatic facility once the "wings" of extra seating are removed. This facility will function both for local residents and elite swimming events.
Jacob would also like everyone to know that there will be two Olympic mascots for the 2012 games and they are really adorable (for a one eyed creature).See for yourself!
Jacob would also like everyone to know that there will be two Olympic mascots for the 2012 games and they are really adorable (for a one eyed creature).See for yourself!
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