London 2012 celebrates two years to go to the Games

London 2012 - 27/07/10

Today marks two years to go to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Top athletes Sir Chris Hoy, Michael Johnson and John Amaechi will be on hand to help mark the milestone, showcasing the latest progress on the Olympic Park. 

They will be joined by local school pupils to ride the first lap of the Velodrome; sprint on a temporary track in the Olympic Stadium; and shoot the first hoop in the Basketball Arena respectively.

Seventy members of Visa Team 2012 - London 2012 hopefuls - will also walk over the main bridge into the Olympic Park.

Dance group Diversity, Olympic champion Sally Gunnell and CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell are on hand to launch the official Games-time volunteering programme. Up to 70,000 'London 2012 Games Makers' will be needed to make the Games happen. 

The Mayor of London launches the 'London Ambassador' programme too, which will recruit 8,000 volunteers to help guide the millions of visitors who will travel to London for the Games get around and enjoy a truly memorable stay in the capital.

LOCOG Chair Seb Coe commented: "There are two years to go until the Olympic Games begin and we want everyone to start planning their once-in-a-lifetime experience in 2012. We are well on track – the venues are nearing completion and our plans are coming together. 

"Now it’s the public’s turn. How will you spend the summer of 2012? Whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a volunteer, being part of our education or culture programmes – there are hundreds of ways you can get involved. Don’t wait - to ensure you don’t miss out, start planning your Games now."

With London 2012’s education programme ‘Get Set’ now reaching over 14,000 schools throughout the country; Cultural Olympiad projects up and running – culminating in the London 2012 Festival, a twelve week festival in the summer of 2012 itself; plus over 1,000 ‘Open Weekend’ events held last weekend, there are London 2012 projects and initiatives happening all over the country, giving the UK public plenty of scope to plan how to get involved.