London 2012 Olympic Rings Unveiled at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport, a expected hotspot for the 2012 games, has become the first airport to to receive London 2012 Olympic rings.

The two sets of Rings placed on either side of the Airport’s new Air Traffic Control Tower will not only be observed by visitors flying in but at 28 metres high also overlook the airfield and can be seen from the main road between Coventry and Birmingham. The white Rings are internally lit so can be seen at night. Each individual ring is 2.13m in diameter and each set of the five rings is 3.15m by 6.82m in size. 

The Rings, which have been privately funded by Birmingham Airport, was launched at a special event hosted by radio presenter Joanne Malin. Olympic and Paralympic Gold medallists Edwin Moses and Lee Pearson were also in attendance. Entertainment performances will come from a string quartet from London 2012 Festival participant, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, as well as London 2012 Cultural Olympiad project Dance Sansaar, a local Punjabi folk arts group.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair 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. To visitors travelling to the UK they will excite and inspire them about the Olympic Games taking place in London, and demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world in 2012.”

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport CEO added: “The Olympic Games are for the entire country, not just London. Every visitor, passengers and passerby will see our welcome spectacular and we’re really proud to be part of such a historic occasion.

“Both the Jamaican and US Olympic Track and Field teams are training in Birmingham prior to the Games and the neighbouring city of Coventry will host several football matches. 

“The Midlands region will have a big role to play during the Olympic and Paralympic Games so we want everyone flying into Birmingham for the occasion – whether they’re athletes, spectators, officials or member of the world’s media – to have a special welcome.”

Edwin Moses, Olympic gold medallist commented: “Seeing the Games celebrated in such an iconic way will be a great inspiration to the athletes training in the region. Knowing that people from across the UK are excited about the summer of sport ahead is great. I’m looking forward to seeing the whole country celebrating the athletes’ success in their own ways later this year.”

Birmingham Airport have also unveiled London 2012 branding in and around the airport including displays of pictograms representing the Olympic and Paralympic sports, and the London 2012 Games motto ‘Inspire a Generation’.

by Ismail Uddin