LONDON'S successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought congratulations from Waverley Council and anticipation that there could be knock-on benefits for the borough. The borough's proximity to the capital could see the year 2012 bring some exciting cultural, social and economic opportunities for Waverley and the council is already thinking about how it can make the most of any knock- on benefits. Waverley's leader Gillian Ferguson said: "The games are expected to be one of the largest events ever hosted by London with as many as 217 countries competing and, given our close proximity to the capital, there will be many knock-on benefits for the borough. "Although the Olympics are seven years away, we will be working very closely with our regional partners to ensure that Waverley residents get as much out of the event as possible, whether through economic benefits, employment or by simply enjoying the experience." The London Olympics will also support the council's commitment to developing leisure opportunities and raising the profile of sport within the local community. Byron Grainger-Jones, Waverley's portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, explained: "A spectacular event such as the Olympics can provide the drive and enthusiasm needed to encourage people of all ages to get involved in enjoyable sporting activities. "Waverley is particularly keen to nurture the sporting talent of our young people, after all these talented athletes will be our Olympic stars of tomorrow. "Waverley councillors and officers are committed to further improving the sporting facilities available throughout the borough and will continue to work hard to identify exciting and interestin opportunities to ensure that the borough can play an active part in the biggest sporting event to ever happen in this country." As well as working to support the sporting skills of its future Olympians, Waverley feels it could also offer assistance to the Olympic organisers through the availability of its outstanding training facilities for competitors in the run up to the games, including the opportunity to make use of the borough's excellent equestrian facilities.
