Giant Olympic Rings have today been unveiled at Heathrow, the Host Airport of the Games. The Rings will provide a spectacular visual welcome to athletes, Games visitors and other passengers arriving during the London 2012 Games.
The aluminium Rings which measure 12 metres in width, the same as a double decker bus, have been installed in Terminal 5 international arrivals and will be seen by at least 2 million passengers travelling through Heathrow.
The Rings were officially launched at a special event today with Olympian Mark Foster. Entertainment was provided by the Band of the Irish Guards. Garrison Sergeant Major William Mott OBE, whose 30 foot portrait in Terminal 5, showing him dressed in the iconic Welsh Guards ceremonial red tunic and bearskin cap, and currently the first face that welcomes visitors to Heathrow, was also present at the ceremony.
The Olympic Rings are one of the world’s most recognisable logos. The five rings – coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red – represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.
Mark Foster said: ‘I know first-hand the nervous excitement that every athlete feels when they arrive for the Olympic Games. The atmosphere is electric and often the airport is the first time we see fans and really feel the special buzz of the weeks to come. The Rings will create a huge sense of excitement and be a great part of the welcome for everyone travelling though the Terminal.’
Paul Deighton, LOCOG Chief Executive said: 'The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport. As we welcome the worldThese Rings will excite and inspire visitors arriving at Heathrow.’
Nick Cole, Head of Olympic and Paralympic Planning at Heathrow said: ‘Heathrow is the first impression of the UK that the majority of guests arriving for the London 2012 Games will have, so we want a special welcome that will get passengers in the Olympic spirit. We’re delighted to have the rings in place to celebrate the start of the Games.’
Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com.
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These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.
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