He met with Edwards as well as with members of the London Organising Committee and East of England 2012 team. The aim of the meeting was to promote opportunities for North West Cambridgeshire to benefit from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Last year, the facilities at Grange Farm in Wansford were deemed of high enough quality to be included in the Pre-Games Training Camps Guide for target sport and equestrian training. That means that the venue may play host to one or more Olympic teams as they train and acclimatise in the run-up to the Games.
Other opportunities exist for businesses in the region and Mr Vara was keen to make the case for those in North West Cambridgeshire. 73 businesses in the East of England have already won Games-related contracts (and sub-contracts), creating and safeguarding jobs. Companies looking to win Olympic related business can sign up online at www.competefor.com to hear about new contracts as they are advertised.
The 2012 team are also keen to ensure that children benefit from the Games. Colleges across the region have signed up to 'Get Set', London 2012's education programme, taking the Olympic and Paralympic values into the classroom. To build up the Olympic spirit local events across the East of England are being planned as part of London 2012 Open Weekend in 24-26 July. There will be sport and arts celebrations as part of the Cultural Olympiad, marking '3 years to go' to the first Opening Ceremony. More details can be found here: www.london2012.com/openweekend .
And of course, people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to take up sport, and try something new in the wake of the performances of Team GB and ParalympicsGB in the Beijing Games - and talented 2012 hopefuls from the region are training in the hope of competing at the Games in 3 years' time
Mr Vara said:
"The 2012 Olympic Games may the 'London' Olympics but I am keen to ensure that Peterborough and Huntingdonshire benefit as well. It is a great opportunity to get children more involved in sporting activities and healthier lifestyles.
"It is also a great opportunity for local businesses to win contracts and host the thousands of tourists that will be visiting England during the Games. I will continue to do all I can to try to ensure that our local area benefits as much as possible."
Jonathan Edwards said:
"It's great to see such a level of interest and enthusiasm for the London 2012 Games amongst MPs across the East of England. I am delighted that Shailesh will be working closely with us as we build towards 2012 to ensure that people across North West Cambridgeshire get engaged in the Games."
Further information is available at http://www.london2012.com/in-your-area/east-of-england/index.php
Photo:Shailesh meets Jonathan Edwards, the long jump world record holder and Olympic gold medallist, to promote opportunities for North West Cambridgeshire to benefit from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
