Supporting a uK SucceSS Story: The impacT of - Research Councils ...

future: Legacy
An important part of London’s bid to host
the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was
dedicated to leaving behind an important legacy.
Since then there has been debate about what
the legacy might look like and whether what
is forecast is actually achievable. University
researchers have contributed greatly to this
debate and it has become clear that the legacy of
London 2012 will be its impact on the economy,
society, wellbeing and health of the UK.
Economic impact
Research shows that London 2012 could help generate long-term
economic growth in the UK, with far reaching benefits across the
health and fitness sector, sports industry, local communities, UK
tourism and many more.
In the health and fitness sector, Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports
Industry Research Centre (SIRC) has found that over the last 20
years the sport industry has continued to take a greater share of
the national economic activity, which will be accelerated by London
2012. Overall, SIRC estimate that the ‘Olympic factor’ will help the
UK’s £20.7 billion sporting economy expand by two per cent in
2012 and increase further over the next three years. In particular,
the research shows that the sports clothing industry is predicted to
grow 15 per cent to £5 billion and the sports gambling industry will
be worth £3.2 billion, an increase of nearly six per cent.
“London 2012 could generate long-term
economic growth in the UK, with far reaching
benefits across the health and fitness sector,
sports industry, local communities and tourism.”
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SECTION FIVE : THE GAMES: past, present and future