Beckham joins London youngsters in Singapore
England Football captain David Beckham has arrived in Singapore to join the London team hoping to secure the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The London 2012 ambassador, who grew up in east London close to the site of the proposed Olympic Park, explained why he was supporting the capital's bid for the 2012 Games.
"It's going to inspire children," he said. "To give our children the chance to see an Olympics in our own country is a special thing - that's why I believe we should get it."
The Real Madrid star joined double Olympic Decathlon legend Daley Thompson and Wheelchair Basketball star Ade Adepitan to challenge a team of London schoolchildren to a Basketball game at the British Club in Singapore.
London has invited 30 schoolchildren aged between 12 and 18 to join the capital's official delegation at tomorrow's International Olympic Committee meeting.
The children come from the five London boroughs that will host the majority of events at the 2012 Games, and between them speak 22 different languages ranging from Arabic to Vietnamese.
"It's exciting for these kids," said Beckham. "One day they are playing Basketball, Football and Volleyball in the East End and the next they are playing it in the heat and humidity of Singapore.
"It gives them a taste of what you can aspire to."
Meanwhile, Simon Clegg, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association, gave an insight into the preparations the London team have put into the crucial final presentation to IOC members.
"A huge amount of effort has gone into the London bid," he told BBC Radio.
"We had two technical rehearsals yesterday, there are more rehearsals today - and I think when you see the final product... everyone in the country will be extremely proud of the British bid."
And Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal - a London 2012 board member, Olympian and IOC member, also paid tribute to everyone involved in producing London's bid.
"It would be only appropriate to have all their work underlined and appreciated by a successful vote on our behalf, and I'd be hugely disappointed if London doesn't win it," she said.
5 July 2005
London 2012! Vote London!!!