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Olympic Rings to be unveiled on City Hall
14 May 2012
As the countdown to the London 2012 Games continues, Belfast is playing its part with the unveiling of the Olympic Rings on the front of the iconic City Hall.
They will be officially unveiled on Saturday 19 May, during a fun filled afternoon of fantastic family entertainment with fusion music, arts and crafts, sporty dance workshops, street theatre and demonstrations from local sports groups and a special Olympic-themed performance from Beam Creative Network`s Inspire project, `ImagineAction`. The free event, hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, will also offer the chance to meet past and present Olympic athletes, as well as `Wenlock`, the official London 2012 Olympic Mascot.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, commented:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people here to be part of the excitement and spectacle of the Olympic Games, and it is great that we can to bring the symbol of the Olympics into the heart of Belfast.
“It is fitting that the Rings are being unveiled on such a terrific weekend of sport: it is going to be a great afternoon and I would encourage as many people as possible to come down and be part of it.”
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín added:
“It is hugely significant to have the Olympic Rings on display in Belfast as the countdown to the Games continues. The excitement is definitely building in the North as more and more people are getting involved. With events such as the All–Ireland Torch Relay next month, the Live Sites in Belfast and Derry and the Cultural Olympiad, local people are encouraged to be part of the Games and share in the Olympic spirit.”
LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe, 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. These Rings will excite and inspire residents and visitors to Belfast.”
The free event to mark the unveiling of the Olympic Rings will take place between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday (19 May).
The Olympic Rings are one of the world`s most recognisable logos. The five rings – coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red – represent the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games
Giant sets of Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom. The Rings being installed on the City Hall are made of aluminium, are approximately are 7.5m by 3.4m in size and weigh 175 kilograms.
The Olympic Torch Relay will visit Belfast on Wednesday 6 June, with a free outdoor event to mark the occasion taking place at the City Hall between 6pm and 8pm that evening. For further information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
ENDS
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