Showing posts with label 2012 London Olympic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 London Olympic. Show all posts

Sunday, August 12, 2012

London Olympics Final Medal Tally 2012

London Olympics Final Medal Tally 2012

 Next London Olympics 2012 : London Olympics Medal Tally 2012


Rank Leaders Gold Silver Bronze
1
USA
46
29
29
2
China
38
27
22
3
Great Britain & N. Ireland 
29
17
19
4
Russia
24
25
33
5
  South Korea
13
8
7
6
Germany  
11
19
14
7
France 
11
11
12
8
Italy
8
9
11
9
Hungary 
8
4
5
10
Australia 
7
16
12
11
Japan
7
14
17
12
Kazakhstan
7
1
5
13
Netherlands
6
6
8
14
Ukraine
6
5
9
15
Cuba
5
3
6
16
New Zealand
5
3
5
17
Iran
4
5
3
18
Jamaica
4
4
4
19
Czech Republic
4
3
3
20
North Korea
4
0
2
21
Spain
3
10
4

Final Day Sunday, ‎12 August ‎2012


Friday, August 10, 2012

Williams Sisters Bring Back Olympic Gold

Williams Sisters Bring Back Olympic Gold to BallenIsles

Venus and Serena live in a custom estate in the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., development, which is Waterfront Properties and Club Communities’ real-estate partner.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Williams Sisters Bring Back Olympic Gold
JUPITER, Fla. (PRWEB) August 09, 2012
One day after Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova for the women’s singles gold medal, the younger sister teamed up with her older sister, Venus Williams, to take home the women’s doubles gold medal in the London Olympic Games. Waterfront Properties and Club Communities is proud of the tennis stars and sends out congratulations to the winning Olympians.
The pair from Palm Beach Gardens overcame a team from the Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-4, and secured their third gold in women’s doubles tennis. They scored previous doubles wins in 2008 in Beijing and in 2000 in Sydney.
The Williams sisters dominated Centre Court at Wimbledon after intense training at BallenIsles’ superb practice facilities. Two of the 22 courts making up the massive Sports Complex were built especially for them. The facilities are a short distance from their custom mansion in the Grand Key Estatesneighborhood – one of 33 that grace the 1,300-acre community with homes for sale in BallenIsles.
The training paid off big in 2012. Serena Williams, 30, became the second female tennis player to earn two gold medals in the Olympic Games. The other is her 32-year-old sister. In addition, she is one of two women to complete tennis’ Grand Slam – a gold medal and four majors’ titles. The other is Steffi Graf.
The sisters beat Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka to earn the gold medal. Venus Williams sealed the deal with a beautiful backhand volley. Throughout the five matches, they never lost a set.
The outstanding tennis program at BallenIsles, led by pro Trish Faulkner, is one of many amenities within the country-club community. BallenIsles also boasts three championship golf courses, a grand clubhouse, and a variety of active clubs and volunteer groups.
Waterfront Properties, a Jupiter-based real-estate firm, is BallenIsles preferred Realtor and offers onsite service. For information, call 561-626-7272.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Oscar Pistorius Makes the 400m Semi-finals

Channel 4: Blade Runner Makes the 400m Semi-finals on Olympic Debut

South Africa's four-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius realised a dream after he made it through to the semi-finals of the 400m on his Olympic debut.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Oscar Pistorius Makes the 400m Semi-finals

(PRWEB) August 06, 2012
South Africa's four-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius realised a dream after he made it through to the semi-finals of the 400m on his Olympic debut.
The 25-year-old, who runs with prosthetic limbs, became the first male Paralympian to compete in the Olympics - and the first amputee to compete in athletics - and made it into the semis by coming second in his heat.
The double amputee was unable to book a place in the final as he struggled out of the blocks and finished eighth in his semi-final in a time of 46.54, after being out of contention by the time he reached the final straight.
Grenada's Kirani James won the heat in a time of 44.59 and immediately asked Pistorius for the name off his running vest as a memento.
"Oscar is something special in our event," said James. "It was a memorable moment for me to be out here with him."
Pistorius, who fought a long battle to be allowed to compete in the Olympics, had looked comfortable in recording a time of 45.44 seconds in his heat - his fastest of the season and just 0.37 off his personal best.
After Saturday's heat an emotional Pistorius said: "Thank you to everyone. I didn't know whether to cry or be happy.
"It was the most amazing experience. I have competed so many times in the UK this crowd feels like a second home to me."
Pistorius has also been selected in South Africa's 4x400m relay team at the Olympics, with the heats taking place on 9 August and the final the following day.
He will be competing in the T44 class at the 2012 Paralympics in the same Olympic Stadium. At the 2008 Paralympics he won gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m.
A 17-year-old Pistorius also won gold in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.
Natalia Partyka of Poland, who was born without a right hand and forearm and will compete in the class 10 at the Paralympics, made it through to the third round of women's Olympic competition at London 2012 before being knocked out.
She competed at the Sydney Paralympics at the age of 11 and also qualified for both the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing four years ago.
South African's legendary Paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit, a leg amputee who has won 10 gold medals and will compete in the S9 class at London 2012, also competed in the Olympics in 2008. 
  • For all your latest news ahead of the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Humbled by Support

London 2012: History-maker Pistorius Humbled by Support

Oscar Pistorius insisted he was not at the London Olympics to prove a point as he bowed out of the 400 metres.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Oscar Pistorius Humbled by Support

(PRWEB) August 06, 2012
Oscar Pistorius insisted he was not at the London Olympics to prove a point as he bowed out of the 400 metres.
The 25-year-old, who made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete in an Olympics, finished last in his semi-final in 46.54 seconds.
The public support for the South African, known as Blade Runner, is almost unrivalled.
The roar which greeted him when he was introduced to the crowd was loud enough to rival that which welcomed British competitors in front of their Host Nation fans.
Pistorius, whose aim had always been the semi-finals, said: 'I am struggling to find a way to describe it. It is really humbling all the support I have had.
'It has been an unbelievable experience. I didn't come here to prove a point. I wanted to do the best I could possibly do and push myself as hard as I can.
'I won't know who to shout for [in the final] tomorrow. They are such gentlemen. This has been one of the best experiences of my life.
'Just being out in front of this crowd, 70,000 felt like 170,00, was an unbelievable experience.'
The four-time Paralympic champion, who had his lower legs amputated at 11 months old after being born without a fibula in either leg, swapped name bibs with Grenada's Kirani James after the race after the world champion approached him.
'When we crossed the line, for Kirani James to give me his number shows the kind of sportsmen we have in the Olympic Games,' added Pistorius, who will be back in the stadium for the 4 x 400m Relay.
'We have a lot of respect for each other. For him to ask for my bib number shows what a true gentleman he is.'
James added: 'Oscar is someone special, especially in our event. It's a memorable moment for me to be out here performing with him.
'He's an inspiration to all of us. He is very special to our sport. He's a down to earth guy and a great individual. I thought it was a nice gesture to exchange bibs. I am going to keep it.'
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Grainger and Watkins Take Gold

London 2012: Grainger and Watkins Take Gold

Katherine Grainger's quest for Olympic glory is complete after she won a gold medal with Anna Watkins in the women's Double Sculls.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : London 2012 - Grainger and Watkins Take Gold
(PRWEB) August 04, 2012
Katherine Grainger's quest for Olympic glory is complete after she won a gold medal with Anna Watkins in the women's Double Sculls.
The Great Britain crew dominated the field at Eton Dorney to add an Olympic crown to the two world titles they have won in two unbeaten years.
Grainger and Watkins led from the start and were roared on to a commanding victory, beating Australia by a length, with Poland taking a distant bronze.
Grainger punched the air as her boat crossed the line. She fell into an embrace with Watkins and acknowledged the 30,000-strong crowd after finally tasting victory at an Olympics.
Grainger had been Britain's first female Olympic Rowing medallist, at Sydney in 2000.
Four years ago she became the first British female athlete to win medals at three successive Olympic Games.
Those medals were all silver and Grainger was distraught at missing out on gold in Beijing, even considering retirement. But the lure of winning in London drove her on.
Grainger and Watkins, a bronze medallist from Beijing 2008, stormed to victory, as they have done for most of the last two years. After coming together in 2010, Grainger and Watkins have now won 23 consecutive races.
But none of them were as emotional as this with Grainger finally receiving the gold medal she craved.
She said, after embracing Steve Redgrave: 'Worth the wait. Steve promised me they'd be tears of joy this time, which they are.
'I feel this medal of all of them is the people's medal. I feel so many people have been behind me and supported me and wanted this for me as much as I have.'

Women Boxers Make Olympic History

London 2012: Women Boxers Set to Make Olympic History

Russia's Elena Savelyeva and Hye Song Kim of DPR Korea will become the first female boxers to compete at an Olympic Games when they meet in the ring at 1.30pm on Sunday.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Women Boxers Make Olympic History

(PRWEB) August 03, 2012
Russia's Elena Savelyeva and Hye Song Kim of DPR Korea will become the first female boxers to compete at an Olympic Games when they meet in the ring at 1.30pm on Sunday.
Thirty-six female boxers from 23 different nations, fighting across three weight divisions, are making history at London 2012.
For boxers like Great Britain's Nicola Adams, the 29-year-old three-time world silver medallist, it is a day she neither expected nor even dared hope for when she first pulled on a pair of gloves.
'My motivation was just my love for the sport,' said Adams, who has a first-round bye in the Fly Weight division and will begin her campaign on Monday.
'I grew up with my family watching boxing. My dad would always put the big fights on TV and it would be a family event, everybody would come round to watch the Boxing.
'I always hoped women's Boxing would be a part of the Olympics because it's every athlete's dream to go to a Games. So when the announcement was made I was over the moon.
'It's nice to have a bit of recognition for all the years I've been training. I used to look up to Muhammad Ali, and it's a great feeling to know that now kids who are just starting in the sport will have a female to look up to as well.'

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Apps to Track the London 2012

Apps to Track the 2012 London Summer Olympics

HotelsCheap.org has conducted research to provide those looking for iPhone and Android apps to track the 2012 London Summer Olympics with cost-effective methods for doing so.


 Next London Olympics 2012 : Apps to Track the 2012 London Summer Olympics

Jericho, NY (PRWEB) August 02, 2012
Looking for apps for the 2012 London Olympics can be difficult when there are so many possibilities forOlympic apps in the iTunes store and Android market. Apps that range from Olympic medal counters to trivia about athletes and past Olympic Games are available to purchase and it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, one company has recognized the need for some direction and has provided the world with an answer to follow the Olympic Games.
Smart phone Apps make following the Olympics that much easier, ensuring a fantastic, mobile experience for the 2012 London Olympics. The following is a list of 12 cheap or free apps to follow the London Olympic Games from the online travel companyHotelsCheap.org:
London 2012: Official Join In
This is the official app by the London Games Organizing Committee, provides reliable venue descriptions, event photos, event schedules, London city maps and even social media interactions. Cost: Free
London 2012: Official Results
The London Games Organizing Committee app will give real-time results, the latest news, and a full schedule of events for both the Olympics and the subsequent Paralympics. Cost: Free
2012 Olympic Medals
This is an app that tracks medal counts, event schedules and even a country tracker on the home screen (for Android users). This app is perfect for loyal fans of one or many countries participating in these Olympic Games. Cost: Free
2012 Team USA Road to London
Linked to the official Team USA website this app provide profile information for every US Olympian. It contains videos, a “Cheer” button to connect with your favorite Olympians on Twitter and Facebook, and the opportunity to donate to Team USA. Cost: Free
2012 Summer Games London Offline
This app supplies all the important details: schedules, history and game rules. It also provides maps with transportation information for those visiting the games, traveling by public transit, foot, bicycle or taxi. Cost: $0.99
London 2012 Official Game
This app is a game for the iphone or android, allowing users to create an Olympian and compete in up to 9 events. Users can customize the appearance of their athlete with 220 accessories, and will compete in authentic London 2012 Olympic venues virtually. Cost: Free
London Countdown
A timer counts down to the opening of the 2012 London Summer Olympics—without the need for internet or data connectivity. It has a schedule of events and a history of the Olympics complete with the results previous Olympic Games. Cost: Free
London Olympics 2012 Fan App
Fans can stay up to date with the most recent news and video from the Olympic Games. Cost: Free
2012 Olympics Medal Tracker
Never miss a medal. Users can filter this app in several ways, such as selecting a sport to see all events and dates of medal contests. The app tracks medal counts for all countries, and users can also track favorite athletes. Cost: $0.99
London 2012 Olympics
The app perfect for Trivia buffs. Re-acquaint yourself with thousands of questions and answers about the Olympics. Its repertoire has plenty of Olympics trivia, like history, event results, athletes and more. Cost: $2.99
NBC Olympics “Live Extra”
Screen all the 302 Olympic events live on your mobile device, with full replays using this app. Cost: Free (for cable, satellite or Telco subscriber with CNBC and MSNBC)
NBC Olympics
Live news, results, schedules and number of medals won all in one spot. It also has video and photo highlights and keeps account of your favorite athletes and sports. It can be linked to social media channels to discuss the latest events.
About HotelsCheap
Hotels Cheap is an online travel company who specializes in selling hotel rooms online. They have been in business for over 10 years, and are recognized around the internet as one of the few true discount hotel providers, constantly scouring the internet for the best hotel deals for their customers. HotelsCheap.org is also known as a travel industry research organization. They write journalist style travel articles, compile interesting infographics to help educate their customers, and the travel industry on recent trends in travel. To learn more, please visithttp://www.hotelscheap.org

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Public Embracing London 2012 Games

Public Embracing London 2012 Games, Says Seb Coe

Five days into the London 2012 Olympic Games LOCOG Chair Seb Coe has expressed his delight at the public’s response to the Games so far and thanked the UK for making it possible.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Public Embracing London 2012 Games
(PRWEB) August 01, 2012
Five days into the London 2012 Olympic Games LOCOG Chair Seb Coe has expressed his delight at the public’s response to the Games so far and thanked the UK for making it possible.
Fifty three gold medals have been awarded so far across 11 sports, to athletes from 34 countries around the world. The spectacular London 2012 venues have already seen seven new world records and more than 30 Olympic records.
Almost 3 million people have attended the Games with supporters of many different nations waving their team’s flag and enjoying the jubilant atmosphere.
The Opening Ceremony on 27 July drew an audience of 27 million viewers to the BBC and since then the evening sessions have been attracting 8 million viewers each day.
The London 2012 website has around 11 million visitors each day and 10 million people have downloaded mobile apps. The Opening Ceremony 'Isles of Wonder' soundtrack is top of the download charts.
LOCOG Chief Executive Paul Deighton added that more than 27,000 people have safely arrived in the UK – mainly athletes and media – with more than 12,000 people now resident in the Olympic Village.
Still to come is the start of the athletics and the track cycling – ‘Super Saturday’ is coming up with 21 gold medals to be won in one day (4 August). It will be an exciting weekend with crowds lining the streets of London for the Marathon and Triathlon, and people all over the UK getting together to enjoy the action.

OSN 3D London Olympics 2012 Coverage

OSN Adds a new dimension to its Olympics coverage with the launch of a dedicated 3D Sports Channel

- 200 hours of 3D action - 225 hours of comprehensive coverage each day - Live coverage across 19 OSN Sports channels - English and Arabic dual language commentary


 Next London Olympics 2012 : OSN 3D London Olympics 2012 Coverage



Dubai, UAE, (PRWEB) August 01, 2012
OSN, the leading Pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has entered the third dimension with the launch of a dedicated Olympics 3D channel, OSN Olympics 3D. The channel will broadcast over 200 hours of LIVE sporting action from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The launch of the brand new dedicated 3D Olympics channel is part of OSN’s aim to bring the games to life and provide viewers across the region with the best possible Olympic viewing experience. In addition, OSN subscribers will see every medal and every moment of the Olympics LIVE, in true 1080i high definition with dual Arabic and English language commentary options, OSN will broadcast more hours than ever before in the region.
As an official broadcaster of the 2012 Olympics, OSN’s new 3D channel will complement its unparalleled coverage which will be showcased across 19 OSN sports channels – 9 TV channels plus 10 dedicated OSN Play LIVE streaming channels providing sports fans with over 225 hours of the most comprehensive Olympics coverage every day.
OSN Play is the regions first online TV platform and is designed to ensure viewers don’t miss a second of the action even when they are away from their TV screen. The service is free of charge for OSN subscribers who can watch the games online on their computer or laptop, anytime, anywhere.
David Butorac, CEO of OSN said: “OSN is extremely proud to be an Official Broadcast Partner of the London 2012 Olympics bringing unprecedented coverage to every OSN home in the Middle East and North Africa. The best way to watch live sport is in high definition and we are delighted to present the games in true 1080i HD. Our dedicated OSN Olympics 3D channel will give sports fans a real-life experience and with the OSN Showbox HD and OSN Play, you can watch your Olympics, your way.”
OSN sports fans can plan their viewing easily using OSN’s user friendly Electronic TV Guide and the OSN website (http://www.osn.com). Viewers can also use the OSN Showbox HD to record their favourite events and watch what they want, when they want.
Andy Warkman, Head of Sport at OSN said: “It will be an amazing 16 days of sport with OSN. Subscribers can take the Olympics with them when on the move through our 10 live streaming OSN Play Olympics channels and our new 3D channel, a key differentiator, which will cover all of the major events including the highly anticipated opening and closing ceremonies and much more putting viewers right at the heart of all the action. OSN will undoubtedly be the best place to watch the 2012 Olympics.”
The complete OSN Olympics 2012 is available on the OSN website (http://www.osn.com) and facebook users can ‘like’ OSN’s official fan page (http://www.facebook.com/osn) to get access to a unique OSN Olympics application that allows users to personalise the schedule and keep track of their favourite sporting events.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

London Olympics 2012 : Australian Magnussen Finds Form

London 2012: Magnussen Finds Form

James Magnussen went some way to exorcising the failure of Australia's Freestyle Relay team to get an Olympic medal as he produced a solid 100m heat performance.


 Next London Olympics 2012 : Australian Magnussen Finds Form

(PRWEB) July 31, 2012
James Magnussen went some way to exorcising the failure of Australia's Freestyle Relay team to get an Olympic medal as he produced a solid 100m heat performance.
The world 100m Freestyle champion, known as 'the Missile', is a hot favourite to add the Olympic title to the world gold he secured last year in Shanghai and has clocked 47.10 already this year.
He qualified fourth overall in 48.38, with USA swimmer Nathan Adrian fastest in 48.19.
Magnussen said: 'I think it was a step in the right direction, it was a good swim.
'It's an improvement from the other night, I am keeping positive with a smile on my face.
'I took a fair hit in the relay, I am still trying to bounce back from it. It was one of my first failures since breaking into the international scene.
'It is quite an open field in the 100m, if I can get myself back to the sort of form I had at the trials, I have a good chance of winning it.'
Daniel Gyurta headed the 200m Breaststroke heats, while the USA qualified fastest for tonight's 4 x 200m Relay final in 7:06.75.
There was a shock in the women's 200m Butterfly, where Great Britain's world silver medallist Ellen Gandy finished 17th, with USA swimmer Kathleen Hersey leading the way in 2:06.41.
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Monday, July 30, 2012

London 2012 Greenest Olympics Games

Head of Sustainability for the 2012 Olympic Games Featured on the Next Green Power Report

Tune in to Riverside Public Utilities’ (RPU) weekly radio program the “Green Power Report” tonight, at 8:30 p.m. on KTIE 590 AM when host Mike Bacich speaks with the Head of Sustainability for the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : London 2012 Greenest Olympics Games

Riverside, Calif. (PRWEB) July 30, 2012
Tune in to Riverside Public Utilities’ (RPU) weekly radio program, the “Green Power Report” tonight, at 8:30 p.m. on 590 AM when hosts Mike Bacich and Ryan Bullard speak with the Head of Sustainability for the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, David Stubbs.
Find out how the 2012 London Games are aiming to be the greenest Olympics ever by reducing, re-using and recycling in ways that will minimize the games effect on the planet.
Learn how an abandoned industrial site covered in mounds of garbage and full of rubble has been transformed into the coveted home of the 2012 Olympic Games.
This program, along with other Green Power Report broadcasts, is available to download through iTunes and via the show’s radio player athttp://www.GreenRiverside.com
For more information on the 2012 London Games sustainability efforts, visithttp://www.london2012.com/about-us/sustainability/.
Additional information about Riverside Public Utilities is available on Facebook through #RiversidePublicUtilities and Twitter through #RPUNews.
###
Established in 1895, Riverside Public Utilities is a consumer-owned water and electric utility governed by a board of nine community volunteers that provides high quality, reliable services to over 106,000 metered electric customers and up to 64,000 metered water customers throughout the City of Riverside. The Utility is committed to increased use of renewable energy resources and sustainable living practices that help reduce environmental impacts within the City of Riverside and the state of California.


Picture source: current.com

London 2012 Olympic Cauldron Moved

Cauldron Moved into Position in Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Cauldron has moved to its resting place in the Olympic Stadium before the start of the London 2012 Athletics competition.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : London 2012 Olympic Cauldron Moved

(PRWEB) July 30, 2012
The Olympic Cauldron has moved to its resting place in the Olympic Stadium before the start of the London 2012 Athletics competition
The Olympic Flame was taken from the Cauldron on 29 July and placed in a special miners lantern overnight before work began to move Thomas Heatherwick’s spectacular structure from its Ceremony position in the centre of the field of play.
The Cauldron, measuring 8.5 metres, is made up of 204 steel pipes and individually designed copper petals inscribed with the competing nation’s names, has been relocated at the south end of the Stadium within eyesight of competing athletes, as an echo of the cauldron location at Wembley for the London 1948 Games.
During an 80-hour transition of the Stadium from Danny Boyle’s spectacular set for the Opening Ceremony to an Olympic sporting area for athletesfrom around the world, the Cauldron was relit.
In a small ceremony the Olympic Flame was transferred from the miners lamp to the Olympic Torchbearer Austin Playfoot who then lit the Olympic Cauldron using the Olympic Torch.
Austin Playfoot, London 1948 and London 2012 Torchbeaer said: ‘It was an honour to be asked to perform this important task of relighting the Cauldron in its resting position. When I ran with the Olympic Flame in Guildford I never thought I would get this close to the Cauldron, it brought me to tears when it lit up. It will be an incredible inspiration to the competing athletes here at the heart of the Olympic Park in the Stadium.’
Live footage of the Cauldron will be projected onto the Stadium's rooftop screens during the first week of the Games.
At the end of the Games, each team will take their petal home and the Cauldron will cease to exist.
The Olympic Flame was seen by nearly 15 million people on its 70 day-journey around the UK, and by a worldwide TV audience of around one billion people in the Opening Ceremony.
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

London Olympics Medal Tally 2012

London Olympics Final Medal Tally 2012

 Next London Olympics 2012 : London Olympics Medal Tally 2012


Rank Leaders Gold Silver Bronze
1
USA
46
29
29
2
China
38
27
22
3
Great Britain & N. Ireland 
29
17
19
4
Russia
24
25
33
5
  South Korea
13
8
7
6
Germany  
11
19
14
7
France 
11
11
12
8
Italy
8
9
11
9
Hungary 
8
4
5
10
Australia 
7
16
12
11
Japan
7
14
17
12
Kazakhstan
7
1
5
13
Netherlands
6
6
8
14
Ukraine
6
5
9
15
Cuba
5
3
6
16
New Zealand
5
3
5
17
Iran
4
5
3
18
Jamaica
4
4
4
19
Czech Republic
4
3
3
20
North Korea
4
0
2
21
Spain
3
10
4

Final Day Sunday, ‎12 August ‎2012


Friday, July 27, 2012

Top Tips for London Olympic Travel

Top Tips for Olympic Travel in London

For an easy way into the Games take GEM’s useful Olympic travel advice.

(PRWEB UK) 27 July 2012
With the London 2012 Olympic Games set to officially start today (Friday 27th July), road safety organisation, GEM (http://www.motoringassist.com) offers up some smart travel tips for all those affected this summer.

 Next London Olympics 2012 : Top Tips for Olympic Travel in London

With thousands of people descending upon the capital, planned road closures, public transport delays, and overcrowding; the majority of journeys in and around London will be impacted throughout July and August. So, for an easy way into the Games take GEM’s useful travel advice:
1.    Free pass – all those lucky enough to have tickets to the Olympic Games this summer receive a free travel card for zones 1-9 to get to and from the event
2.    Try two wheels – take advantage of the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme and get from A to B quickly and easily, leaving your bike at one of the hundreds of docking stations. Check tfl.gov.uk before you travel to find out about closures
3.    Fuel efficiency – lift sharing is a great way of saving petrol and reducing the number of cars on the road, whenever you can, share a journey with family or friends
4.    Private parking – people all over London are renting out their drives and parking spaces so secure your spot rather than queuing for public car parks. Try parkatmyhouse.co.uk or rentduringthegames.co.uk for details
5.    Head in the clouds – steer clear of busy roads and travel on the new Emirates Air Line cable cars, which runs from Greenwich to the Royal Docks
6.    Cruise control – take to the water and get into the Games via a river taxi on the Thames. Visit thamesclippers.com or citycruises.com for schedules and prices
7.    Stay in lane – look out for the dedicated Games lanes for officials and athletes driving to events. Using these lanes, which have started opening now, could result in a fine
8.    Trouble on the tube – check the getaheadofthegames.com website for tube closures and up-to-the-minute travel updates during the Games
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments: “This summer is an extremely exciting time for the whole nation; however, our transport systems are going to be under a huge amount of pressure. Planning your journey fully before you set off will ensure you see the very best bits of London during the Games whilst avoiding unnecessary hardship.”
Press Information: David Williams, MBE, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist is available for comment on 01342-825676 (office) or 07711-450560 (mobile). David Williams was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to Road Safety.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Olympic Flame Visits Iconic London Landmarks

Day 69: Olympic Flame to Visit Iconic London Landmarks on Its Journey from Camden to Westminster

On Thursday 26 July, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay – presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – will travel 32.70 miles through the London Boroughs of Camden, Islington, City of London, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.


 Next London Olympics 2012 : Olympic Flame Visits Iconic London Landmarks




(PRWEB) July 26, 2012

• On Thursday 26 July the Relay will travel 32.70 miles
  •     173 Torchbearers will carry the Flame
  • Evening celebration to take place in Hyde Park
  • Images from today can be downloaded here
On Thursday 26 July, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay – presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – will travel 32.70 miles through the London Boroughs of Camden, Islington, City of London, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.
Highlights for today include:
London Borough of Camden
6.48am – The Roundhouse: Team GB’s deputy Chef de Mission, Clive Woodward, will start the last day of the road based relay from the Roundhouse in Camden. He coached the England team from 1997 to 2004, managing them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He is currently the British Olympic Association's Director of Elite Performance and currently helping Team GB has been an inspiration to British athletes and the sporting community. He has tasked himself with uniting Team GB so they feel a greater part of a team, especially as it will be a home Olympics.
7.14am – Regents Canal: Paris Walker, 16, from Bethnal Green, will carry the Flame along the Regent’s Canal on board a canal boat. Paris was nominated through the Coca Cola campaign for her dedication and commitment to running in the local area.
7.37am – St. Pancras Station: Luke Corduner,32, from Camden will carry the Flame in front of the Olympic rings in St. Pancras Station. Luke was nominated through the LOCOG campaign for being a great PE teacher who devotes many hours after the school day to coaching football, tennis, table tennis, helping out with clubs and running a sports camp during the holidays. He was also nominated for the work he does with young people who are expelled from school or who are young offenders.
London Borough of Islington
08.24am – Islington Town Hall: David Walliams will carry the Flame in recognition for his remarkable contribution to sport. His awe-inspiring cross-Channel swim in 2006 secured him a Sports Personality of the Year award. In 2008 he swam across the Strait of Gibraltar. Then, in 2010, he led a team of friends in a cycle relay from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Swimming the Thames in September 2011 was his most gruelling, dangerous and physically demanding challenge yet. In total David has raised £8.5m for Comic Relief/Sport Relief. His contribution to sport and his demonstration of the Olympic values is extraordinary and inspiring.
The City of London
8.55am – St. Paul’s Cathedral: Kevin Craig, 41, from Clapham will carry the Flame to the steps of St Paul’s. Kevin was selected through the Lloyds TSB campaign for the help and support that he provides to Elizabeth's Legacy of Hope, a charity which provides limbs to thousands of children in developing countries.
10.03am – Millennium Bridge: Ade Adepitan will carry the Flame across the bridge. Paralympic medallist Ade was selected by Lloyds TSB because of his contribution to his sport and inspiring young athletes through his support of and involvement in the Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week.
London Borough of Southwark
10.11am – Shakespeare’s Globe: Ifeyinwa Egesi, 12, from Camberwell will take part in a photo moment in the Yard in front of stage. Ify was nominated through the London 2012 Get Set programme for being hard working, dedicated and enthusiastic at school.
London Borough of Lambeth
12.28pm - Windrush Square: Cameron Fraser, 33, from Clerkenwell, will pass the Flame to Richard Fullbrook, 47, from Dagenham, at the community event taking place there.
Cameron was selected through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his work as co-ordinator of KEEN London, the only charity in London which provides free one-to-one sports and recreational activities for children and young adults with special needs. He recruits and supervises a pool of 100+ volunteers and manages a programme of weekly activities for over 40 children who would otherwise be excluded from the fun and games of an ordinary childhood.
Richard was selected through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his work as a Divisional Officer with City of London Police. Richard is dedicated to running marathons and as a member of the 100 Marathon Club he has notched up 136 at the last count! For his 100th marathon he raised over £1,500 for ‘Help for Heroes’, a charity close to his heart as a former member of the Parachute Regiment.
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
1.56pm - Stamford Bridge: Georgina Moseley, 48, from Birmingham will carry the Flame past the home of Chelsea F.C. Georgina was selected through the Samsung campaign. She will be carrying the Flame in honour of her son Harry, who was nominated by John Terry, but sadly passed away last year after suffering from a brain tumour. Harry started helpharryhelpothers and in just over 2 years helped to raise over £700,000 for brain cancer research.
London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
2.29pm - Holland Park: Skye Mcduffus, 12, from Chelsea, will hold the Flame in front of the Opera Stage steps. Skye was nominated through the London 2012 Get Set network for being a role model to her peers at school. She demonstrates the belief that anything is possible no matter what barriers one is likely to face.
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
3.33pm – BBC White City: Two Torchbearers will exchange the Flame at the site of the finishing line in the stadium of the 1908 Olympic Games. One of the two Torchbearers is Antoine de Navacelle. Antoine is the great grand-nephew of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Games. Antoine is closely involved in the Olympic movement and has promoted the Coubertin Award student essay competition ahead of the London 2012 Games to promote wider understanding of the Olympic ideals. As a board member of the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee, Antoine acts as an advocate for the values of respect, excellence and friendship remaining embedded in the modern Olympic Games.
London Borough of Westminster
5.03pm – Oxford Street: The Flame will be carried by Torchbearers as it travels on a London bus accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Angela Harvey.
5.25pm – Regents Street/Shaftesbury Avenue: Torchbearers will carry the Flame through the West End. As the Flame passes the Gielgud Theatre, where Chariots of Fire is currently being staged, Vangelis, who composed the original score, will play music to accompany it.
5.40pm – Trafalgar Square: Patrick Kane, 15, from Camden, will carry the Flame in Trafalgar Square in the heart of the capital. Patrick was selected through the LOCOG public nomination campaign. Aged just nine months he contracted meningococcal septicaemia, the virulent form of meningitis, which resulted in a three month spell in the intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. While the doctors were ultimately successful in saving Patrick’s life, it unfortunately resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee, all of the fingers from his left hand, and part of each finger on his right hand. He now wears a prosthetic leg and is one of the few people in the UK to wear the world's most advanced bionic hand - the i-LIMB Pulse from UK company, Touch Bionics. He was the youngest ever person to be fitted with this advanced prosthesis, and he has consistently impressed the company by his ability to quickly understand and excel at controlling and using his prosthesis. He is an inspiration to everyone who meets him as his amputations have never held him back and he talks openly about what has happened to him, without a hint of bitterness or self pity.
5.59pm – Downing Street: Kate Nesbitt, 24, from Plymouth will carry the Flame into Downing Street where in front of Number 10 she will hand the Flame to Florence Rowe, 81, from Prestwood, who will then carry the Flame out of Downing Street.
Kate Nesbitt was nominated for being the first woman in the Royal Navy to be awarded the Military Cross. She was given the award in honour of her bravery in administering emergency medical treatment to her injured colleagues during an ambush in Afghanistan in March 2009.
Florence was selected through the Coca Cola campaign. When she was 18-years-old Florence was part of the crowds in London that welcomed the Olympics in 1948. Her selection as a Torchbearer fulfils her dream to again be part of the Olympics in London, reversing the number of years from 18 to 81.
6.33pm – Buckingham Palace: Jon Sayer, 33, from West Yorkshire, will carry the Flame along Birdcage Walk to the front of Buckingham Palace where he will hand the Flame to Wai Ming-Lee, 38, from Hemel Hempstead. Wai Ming-Lee will carry the Flame into Buckingham Palace where he will hand the Flame to John Hulse, 56, from Conwy, who will then carry the Flame out of Buckingham Palace. The exchange will be viewed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
On leaving Buckingham Palace, John will be joined by members of the Household Cavalry as he travels along Constitution Hill.
Jon was nominated through the LOCOG public nomination campaign for the extraordinary contribution to the community of Todmorden. He has been a Scout volunteer for sixteen years working simultaneously with a Cub Scout Pack and an Explorer Scout unit as well as supporting fellow volunteers through their adult training. In addition to volunteering with the Scouts, Jon has undertaken training as a lifeguard, and he volunteers as a special Police Constable.
Wai Ming-Lee was nominated through the LOCOG public nomination campaign. He volunteers with the disaster mapping charity MapAction to channel aid to people left in desperate need after devastating disasters. Ming flew out for his first emergency mission in December 2004, in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami. He has since deployed on assignments across Asia, Africa and continental Europe.
John was nominated through the LOCOG public nomination campaign for his work with the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation. He has volunteered with the organisation since 1973 and taken part in over 1000 operations. Along with the other volunteers, they help casualties from steep mountains, rivers and mines of Snowdonia and elsewhere in the UK, quite often in difficult weather and darkness, frequently working with other emergency services such as the RAF helicopters, Police, Fire and Ambulance.
7.10pm – Hyde Park: Tyler Rix will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the Finale event of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay to enable the Olympic Flame to be seen by the audience. Tyler was selected through the Coca Cola campaign. He won the Schoolboys FA National Cup with the West Ham Academy, as well as representing his district and county. He released a number 1 album with Universal Records and performed as a classical soloist for the BBC Concert Orchestra and played jazz for 10000 people at the Mayor's Trafalgar Square celebrations. He is an inspiration to other youngsters to follow their dreams.
Hosted by the London Borough of Westminster the finale event will take place in Hyde Park between 2pm and 10.30pm.
Coca-Cola will bring extended live performances from some of the UK's coolest bands, whilst celebrating all our inspirational Future Flames - amazing people chosen to carry the Olympic Flame.
It will feature performances by Dizzee Rascal, and The Wanted. It will also feature a special performance by Mark Ronson and Katy B.
Other performers include: You Me at Six, Rizzle Kicks, Eliza Doolittle, Wretch 32, Morning Parade, Loick Essien, and Little Comets.
Entertainment will also be provided by Samsung and Lloyds TSB.
This is a ticketed event. See http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coca-colacelebrations for further information.
Torchbearer highlights:
Lawrence Dallaglio and Lewis Moody will carry the Flame in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Lewis was selected through the Samsung campaign. During the 16 years of professional rugby career he has played in two World Cup Finals, won two 6 Nations Championship Winners Medals, two Heineken Cup Winners Medals and six Premiership Winners Medals. In addition to his on field activities Lewis is a patron of the charity HOPE HIV supporting AIDS orphans in Africa, he has supported the charity for a number of years now and 2 years ago visited the children out in Africa and dedicated his testimonial year to raising funds for the charity.
Lawrence was selected through the Samsung campaign. He had a successful rugby playing career with both England and Wasps which included winning the World Cup in 2003. He currently fronts his own foundation that is aiming to raise £3 million for Cancer Research UK.
Chelsea Pensioner Jim Anderson, 76, selected through the LOCOG campaign will carry the Flame at the Chelsea Hospital where fellow residents, resplendent in their scarlet coats will form a guard of honour for him. Jim was selected for being a wonderful ambassador for the Royal Hospital and, as well as this, he is still a regular marathon and 10k runner.
Amitabh Bachchan will carry the Flame in Southwark. Amitabh is highly regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in Indian cinema. He first gained popularity in the 1970s and has since appeared in over 150 Indian films, in a career spanning more than four decades. More recently he has been appointed as a UNICEF ambassador for the Girl Child and last year accepted his doctorate from Queensland University.
Phil Packer, 39, from West Sussex, will carry the Flame in Islington. Phil was selected through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his courage and determination to overcome the serious injuries that he sustained in Iraq in 2008. He has raised over a million pounds for Help for Heroes, which included completing the London Marathon within two weeks, despite being told he would never walk again. He has continued with his charity work creating the British Inspiration Trust which he launched at No.10 with the Prime Minister.
Darren Fitzpatrick, 18, will carry the Flame through Camden. Darren has been awarded with the title ‘Gold Ambassador of Camden’ for all his dedicated volunteering work. He volunteers to help young children in sports and in other activities. He also takes part in helping children in Paralympics Sport. He volunteers with Quad Kids Athletics and is part of the three acres community play project. On average Darren does about 15 hours a week of volunteering and 10 hours a week of sports.
Tom Davis, 30 will carry the Flame through The City of Westminster. Tom is the 2006 Commonwealth Judo Champion and was selected by Coca-Cola to run with the Olympic Torch due to his role in helping young people pursue their passion in sport.
James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola Northwest Europe & Nordics, said: “Today, on the final and sixty-ninth day of our incredible journey, more Coca-Cola Future Flames will help us celebrate the arrival of the Torch at it reaches its final destination in London. Katharine Ford and Caroline Hopkins, amongst others, will carry the Olympic Flame in Camden Town and Lambeth as it makes its way to Hyde Park. We will also get everyone to Move to the Beat tonight as we bring a whole host of musical talent including Dizzee Rascal, The Wanted, You Me At Six, Eliza Doolittle, Mark Ronson & Katy B, Rizzle Kicks, Wretch 32, Morning Parade, Loick Essien and Little Comets to the stage at our finale celebration in Westminster’s Hyde Park.”
Sally Hancock, Director, London 2012 Partnership at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are just one day away from the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and the final journey of the Olympic Flame to the Stadium. Today, the Flame makes its way through London from Islington to the City of Westminster and Lloyds TSB is looking forward to bringing the excitement of London 2012 to every community along the way. Lloyds TSB is creating as many opportunities as possible for people to get involved as the Relay passes their door. We’re calling on everyone to cheer their Lloyds TSB Torchbearers, including Major Phil Packer and Paralympian Ade Adepitan, who carrying the Flame today. Our troupe of performers, the Flame Followers, are lighting up the celebrations along the route ahead of the Relay before their Flame Followers Spectacular in Hyde Park tonight.”
Sunny Hwang, Vice President & Head of Global Sports Marketing, Samsung Electronics, said: "Samsung's Olympic Torch Relay campaign shares the Olympic spirit and encourages everyone to take part in London 2012. Samsung has offered an inspiring opportunity to people around the world to carry the Olympic Flame, as part of our ambition to make London 2012 Everyone's Olympic Games."
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.
Notes to editors:
Each day two short packages of broadcast footage will be made available. The packages will be available via the Footage library – accessible from the Media Centre on london2012.com and direct from this linkhttp://footagelibrary.london2012.com. Media will need to register for access in advance. Registration is free.
The broadcast of the Olympic Torch Relay is provided for Editorial Use Only. There can be no commercial association, no third party association and no commercial/ad superimposition on the video footage, unless the prior written consent of the IOC is acquired.
About the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners:
As the longest standing Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola will be using its heritage and experience to spread excitement across the UK ahead of London 2012. Coca-Cola's national nomination campaign - Future Flames – has focused on finding inspirational young people from across the country to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame. This summer Coca-Cola will celebrate these Future Flames: young people who use their passions in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance, and community and the environment; to spread happiness in their local communities.
As the only National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB will be taking the inspiration and excitement of the Olympic Flame right to the heart of communities across the UK. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland will be the National Presenting Partner in Scotland. We are creating as many opportunities as possible for communities the length and breadth of the UK to get involved as the Flame travels past their front doors.
Lloyds Banking Group is Britain’s biggest corporate investor in UK communities and in 2011 invested £85 million and as part of the Group’s Community Investment Programme, we’ve launched the Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund to give back to the communities in which we operate and pass through on our journey with the Olympic Flame. We’re inviting everyone to visit the Lloyds TSB stand at each Evening Celebration to vote for a community project in their area that inspires and supports young people. By voting at the Evening Celebration members of the public will automatically enter a draw to win four tickets to London 2012. The two projects that receive the most votes at each locality will each win a £5,000 grant from Lloyds Banking Group. At the Lloyds TSB site members of the public will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Olympic Torch, meet Lloyds TSB Local Heroes – the future stars of Team GB and ParalympicsGB – and get up close to our Flame Followers.
As a Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Samsung aims to encourage everyone to be part of the greatest show on Earth to make London 2012 ‘Everyone’s Olympic Games.’ We aspire to offer new and memorable experiences for everyone around the world through our own innovative and smart wireless technology. Samsung is providing 1,360 Torchbearers, who have “gone the extra mile” by contributing to the local communities, through its worldwide public nomination campaign. In total over 25,000 nominations were received. Samsung will support towns and cities to celebrate the exciting moment of the Torch Relay and help showcase Great Britain’s cultural landmarks to provide a more enjoyable experience to everyone. The evening celebrations that will be staged by Samsung in 66 towns and cities throughout the Olympic Flame’s journey across the UK, will allow Samsung to entertain the community they are visiting. The Samsung caravan, complete with LED screen on the side showcasing runners and goodwill messages, will follow the Torchbearers around the UK cheering up everyone to celebrate the Torch Relay with music and interaction with local communities. It is Samsung’s ambition that London 2012 will be an event that reaches and involves more people than on any other Olympic Games occasion.
The BBC will be providing extensive coverage of the Torch Relay on television, radio and online. This will include special Breakfast shows on every BBC local radio station, and extended live coverage of an evening celebration event in every Nation and English Region. Full details of the coverage will be at bbc.co.uk/2012.
The Supporters of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay are:
Worldwide Olympic Partners Procter and Gamble and Visa, Tier One Partners adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT and EDF, Tier Three Providers Aggreko, Holiday Inn and NATURE VALLEY.
London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow Chemical Company, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS.
There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield