The 2012 Olympic Games will be a showcase for what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a desire to be the best. The economic and social benefits of bringing such an event to the UK cannot be understated and our borough has a big part to play.
We have long celebrated sporting excellence and we’re delighted that this has now been recognised by those behind the London Olympics. In May the eyes of the world will be on our borough when the Olympic Flame passes through it.
We want this flame to act as a beacon to the next generation of the borough’s athletes... to spur them on to reach their full potential and we’ll be with them every step of the way.
In terms of the economic benefits it is expected the games will attract more than 350,000 foreign visitors to our country each day of the competition. We’ll be doing our best to make sure they are aware of what Wigan and the North West has to offer and we hope many will venture outside the M25 to see it at first hand. In other sporting news Wigan Borough has successfully bid to become a host venue for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
This is a game that really is part of the cultural fabric of our borough. Few places eat, sleep and breathe Rugby League in the same way as people in our borough do. The good news that our borough will play a part in this fantastic sporting spectacle is a testament to the great work that’s been going on behind the scenes. Again, we’ll be aiming to get the maximum benefit for our borough of being part of this great sporting occasion.
WHEN Alan Tootell opened the doors of his Golborne butcher’s shop in 1961, John F Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States and a little-known Liverpool band gave their first performance at the city’s Cavern Club.
A lot’s changed since then but Alan is still going strong and amazingly he’s not had a single day off in all that time. A truly fantastic achievement that speaks volumes about the benefits of hard-work and job satisfaction.
You can read Alan’s inspirational story on page 4 and how we are helping new businesses such as Krista Bougourd’s IT business on page 26.
2011 has been a difficult year both at home and abroad and 2012 is predicted to be no easier. The Borough has coped remarkably well, responding by working even closer in partnership.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.
