The Olympic torch relay will stop in Birmingham as it makes its way around the UK ahead of the 2012 Games.

The Olympic torch’s arrival in the city on 30 June 2012 will be marked by an evening of celebrations.

Birmingham will host the 160-strong US track and field team, who will train in and around the city.

And the 60 members of the Jamaican track and field team, including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, will be based in Birmingham.

The city council said it had not yet been decided what celebrations would accompany the flame’s arrival in the city, but it was likely to be a celebration of the city’s sporting heritage and ambitions for future sporting glory.

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‘Unforgettable Games’

City council sports chief Martin Mullaney said: “I’m sure the people of Birmingham will be out in force to celebrate its arrival in our city.”

He added: “Across the world, the flame is the most recognisable symbol of the modern Games

“Now we can get in the mood for what I know will be an unforgettable Olympic Games.”

The council said the Jamaican and USA deals were worth about ??20m to the city’s economy.

For an Olympic legacy the council points to improvements to the Alexander Stadium for athletics, which has attracted the prestigious Samsung Diamond League to the city for the next three years.

And the Jamaican Training Camp Legacy Exchange Programme offers opportunities for schools in Jamaica and Birmingham to link learn from each other.

It had been hoped a further legacy would be a 50m swimming pool in the Ladywood area.

But recent funding cuts mean the scheme has not gone beyond the planning stage.

Posted on Thursday, May 19th, 2011 at 8:01 am and filed under Website, Press Release.

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