Olympics Minister Supports Staging of Badminton at Wembley Arena
Tessa Jowell, the London Olympics Minister, has reportedly changed her stance on the ongoing issue as to where to stage rhythmic gymnastics and badminton in the 2012 Games.
According to reports, Jowell, together with London Mayor Boris Johnson, are now calling for the staging of these two sporting events at the Wembley Arena instead of the originally planned venue in north Greenwich, which is located at southeast London.
Jowell was one of those who supported the construction of badminton courts and gymnastics venue in Greenwich which is near the main Olympic stadium. However, the construction of the venue will cost 20 million pounds. The officials are gunning for budget cuts following staggering amounts presented during the budget hearing.
The two officials are currently finding ways to convince the badminton and gymnastic world federation officials to agree with the staging of the sporting events in Wembley Area, located a bit far from the main stadium.
The International Olympic Committee has instructed the London Olympic officials to immediately resolve this issue.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said that he will be supporting the Wembley Arena proposal should the badminton and gymnastics federation officials support this move. However, Badminton England officials last month already expressed their opposition to this plan.
Adrian Christy, Badminton England Chief Executive, said that competitors’ performances will be affected because the long travelling time needed to shuttle them back and forth from the athletes’ village to Wembley can be stressful.
