RIO de Janeiro may be some 6,000 miles away but supporters of Team GB are set to be taken closer to the action at this summer’s Olympic Games as Coventry is confirmed as an Official Team GB FanZone.
As our nation’s Olympians prepare to recapture the spirit of 2012 when the UK came together to support their superhuman efforts, the council has confirmed that Coventry will host live coverage of the Games at Millenium Place.
The Coventry FanZone’s big screen will show live coverage at selected times between August 6-12 and there will also be the opportunity to learn more about how to participate in some of the Olympic sports that are on show in Brazil.
“Team GB fans are so passionate and it was fantastic in 2012 to get everyone together at locations across the country,” said Britain’s greatest ever gymnast Beth Tweddle, who competed in three Olympic Games and won bronze at London 2012.
“There is something very special about everyone coming together to support Team GB. I’d encourage fans around the UK to visit a FanZone during the Olympic Games and show the athletes in Rio that they are behind them.
“It is great to see Coventry backing Team GB ahead of another exciting Olympic Games, and they’d love as many fans as possible to visit.”
Four years ago Coventry played its part as an Olympic host venue and staged 12 football matches at the Ricoh Arena, which was renamed the City of Coventry Stadium.
Millenium Place was one of just 22 Live Sites across the UK back in 2012 when over 170,000 spectators attended the matches and it is estimated that the Olympic Games four years ago brought in over £50million to Coventry’s economy.
“I’m really pleased about the announcement that Coventry will host one of the Olympic FanZones, continuing our legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games when we were a host city,” said Coun Kamran Caan, the council’s cabinet member for sports.
“I’m sure that lots of residents, including myself, will come out to cheer on our Olympians alongside other fans and support a great community spirit. It’s sure to create a great atmosphere and be a fantastic way to take part in this year’s Olympic Games.”
The project is a partnership between Team GB and the host venues and is funded through support from official Team GB partners Aldi, Muller and The National Lottery. For more information visit www.teamgb.com/fanzones.
