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PM: Games to boost economy by £13bn
The Olympic and Paralympic Games will benefit the UK economy to the tune of more than £13 billion over the next four years, Prime Minister David Cameron has predicted.
David Cameron expects the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to bring an extra 13 billion pounds to the UK's economy
The Olympic and Paralympic Games will benefit the UK economy to the tune of more than £13 billion over the next four years, Prime Minister David Cameron has predicted.
The estimated figure is significantly more than the £9.3 billion budget for staging the Games and is made up of £6 billion from foreign direct investment, up to £4 billion in high-value contract opportunities, £2.3 billion from extra tourism and £1 billion from additional sales by UK companies, said Downing Street.
Visiting Team GB's preparation camp in Loughborough, Leicestershire, Mr Cameron said he wanted to see Britain break records not only on the track but also in the legacy and inspiration which the Games provide for the future.
"This summer is going to be about a magnificent sporting event," said the Prime Minister. "We'll be celebrating the medals, the heroes and the heroines. It will be inspirational. We must make sure these are the inspirational games.
"But to really make the most of them we have got to make sure this inspiration is more than a one-off, one-summer wonder. It can be so much more.
"One of those special moments in our national story. A time that caught the mood. A time that lifted us. A time that created something amazing.
"There is an opportunity to regenerate communities. To bring people together as volunteers. To revive school sport. And to bring prosperity and jobs to this country.
"But the first prize is even more valuable. A national boost to our energy and inspiration, a chance to realise how great we can be and how much we can go on to achieve as a country.
"These are Britain's games, Britain's opportunity and Britain's moment. We've got to make the most of them - and we will."
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