More than 40 athletes including Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny have backed proposals for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England. A key event in Sheffield will discuss next steps.
More than 40 Olympians, Paralympians, and elite athletes have joined forces to back a campaign aimed at bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the north of England. The group has issued a formal statement of support for the initiative, which they are calling the 'Great North Games' vision. This effort marks a significant show of athlete backing for a concept currently being developed by northern leaders under the umbrella of 'The Great North.'
Supporters of the bid argue that the event would build on the legacy of the London 2012 Games by utilizing existing and planned venues throughout the region's cities. The athletes contend that a northern-hosted event would serve as a national milestone designed to unite the country and showcase British sporting prowess on the global stage. They emphasize that the region already possesses the necessary infrastructure, including world-class venues, experienced organizers, and a deep-rooted sporting culture, to successfully deliver a major international event.
The list of supporters includes prominent figures such as Dame Laura Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, and Steve Cram, alongside athletes from across the Liverpool City Region, including Beth Tweddle, Bianca Walkden, and Steve Parry. The proposal is currently under review by the government, which has confirmed that it has begun an initial strategic assessment to determine the feasibility of hosting future Games in the region. This evaluation follows calls made earlier this year by northern mayors and civic leaders, who urged the government to consider the long-term potential of distributing the Games across the region. While 2040 is being discussed as a potential target for the event, any formal bid remains in an early feasibility stage.
