DHAKA: The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Gibson hosted a reception to celebrate the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Among the guests were Bangladeshi Olympians, the Bangladesh Olympic Association and members of the newly formed National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner reflected on the positive impact of the Games on the UK economy and how the Paralympics in particular had provided inspiration to all, changing attitudes to disability.
He hoped Bangladesh would be able to participate in Rio in 2016.
Deputy High Commissioner Nick Low commented on the legacy that London 2012 will leave behind.
The east end of London, where many of the 500,000 strong Bangladeshi community in Britain live, had been regenerated by the Olympic Park and London’s transport system had benefitted from £6.5billion worth of investment. Other initiatives had created a global impact.
Low said, “Bangladesh was one of 20 countries involved in our International Inspiration programme that has changed lives around the world, bringing sport to over 12 million young people.”
He added: “Projects ranged from helping to prevent HIV in Zambia to reducing deaths from drowning here in Bangladesh. Such a focus on legacy is a defining feature of London 2012, which has been dubbed the first ever ‘Legacy Games’.”
Low concluded by presenting Brazilian Chargé d’Affaires Fausto Godoy with the London 2012 host nation flag to mark the handover to Rio 2016.
The UK will donate London 2012 memorabilia to the Bangladesh Olympic Association’s museum, which is under construction.
BDST: 2155 HRS, SEP 12, 2012
Edited by: M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor
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