Pictured above: Coventry City Council cabinet member for
city development Coun Linda Bigham, Coventry Olympian Dave
Moorcroft and City of Coventry Stadium chief executive Daniel
Gidney
Today (Monday) marks one year to go until the start of the
world's greatest sporting spectacle taking place in Coventry.
The first London 2012 Olympic football tournament match at the
City of Coventry Stadium will kick off on July 25, 2012 - two days
ahead of the official opening in the capital city.
Qualifying matches for the football tournament are still taking
place across the globe and the draw will take place in spring.
Twelve men's and women's matches will take place at the City of
Coventry Stadium - which will be the temporary name of the Ricoh
Arena for the duration of the Games - in eight days with a
combination of preliminary games, a quarter-final and the women's
bronze final on August 9.
Daniel Gidney, chief executive of the City of Coventry Stadium,
said excitement was already building as Coventry prepares to become
the first city in England to stage a 2012 Olympic event.
"It is amazing to think that in one year's time we will be
hosting Olympic football here in Coventry," he said.
"We will be starting with a double-header on July 25 and we
can't wait. Preparations have been underway for quite some time and
everyone involved is looking forward to being involved in this
once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We want as many people as possible throughout the Midlands to
be involved in the magic of the Olympics.
"It really is a privilege for this to be taking place in our
city and it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city to the
rest of the world."
Councillor George Duggins, deputy leader of Coventry City
Council, said: "In just 12 months time Coventry will be the first
English city to host an Olympic event as part of London 2012 and
that is something we should be very proud of.
"This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city to a
worldwide audience as we receive visitors from right across the
globe and welcome the international media to cover our role in
hosting part of the greatest sporting event on earth.
"There are so many ways to be involved with London 2012 between
now and the first football match in Coventry on July 25 and I would
encourage as many people as possible to find out how they can
engage now before it is too late!"