19/01/2005
Olympic guru to pinpoint business opportunities
Northern Ireland business and tourism leaders are to be briefed by one of the world's most experienced sports event organisers.
Mick Aitken, who lives in Australia but has family roots in the province, will discuss with local leaders the benefits which could be reaped if London is successful in bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Angela Smith, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), confirmed today that Aitken will be the keynote speaker at a major conference being organised by DCAL in Belfast on 27 January as part of its co-ordinating role in Northern Ireland for London's Olympic bid.
The Minister said: "Northern Ireland will stand to benefit substantially from the massive investment of more than £2.4 billion that will be needed to develop facilities and upgrade the infrastructure for athletes, coaches, administrators and for the many thousands of additional visitors the Games will bring to London.
"I am confident that Northern Ireland companies could compete successfully for business from the Games. Companies have secured worthwhile business at previous Olympics, including Athens in 2004. While local companies would still have to compete aggressively for contracts at London 2012, I believe they would find this much easier on their doorstep.”
Around 300 representatives from both private and public sector organisations are expected to take part in the forthcoming conference, part of an ongoing programme of events to highlight potential business and other opportunities for Northern Ireland.
Other departments, including Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and bodies such as Invest Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Northern Ireland Events Company and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland are backing the local campaign.
(MB/SP)
Mick Aitken, who lives in Australia but has family roots in the province, will discuss with local leaders the benefits which could be reaped if London is successful in bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Angela Smith, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), confirmed today that Aitken will be the keynote speaker at a major conference being organised by DCAL in Belfast on 27 January as part of its co-ordinating role in Northern Ireland for London's Olympic bid.
The Minister said: "Northern Ireland will stand to benefit substantially from the massive investment of more than £2.4 billion that will be needed to develop facilities and upgrade the infrastructure for athletes, coaches, administrators and for the many thousands of additional visitors the Games will bring to London.
"I am confident that Northern Ireland companies could compete successfully for business from the Games. Companies have secured worthwhile business at previous Olympics, including Athens in 2004. While local companies would still have to compete aggressively for contracts at London 2012, I believe they would find this much easier on their doorstep.”
Around 300 representatives from both private and public sector organisations are expected to take part in the forthcoming conference, part of an ongoing programme of events to highlight potential business and other opportunities for Northern Ireland.
Other departments, including Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and bodies such as Invest Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Northern Ireland Events Company and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland are backing the local campaign.
(MB/SP)
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