London 2012 Babies Celebrate Second Birthday With Seb Coe, Sally Gunnell, And Bob The Builder
21st December 2006
Wednesday 20th December was a special day for Samuel Kirk and Holly Holt Ramsey. They are two of the lucky babies who will be taking part at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Samuel, from Baildon, and Holly from Shepley in Huddersfield were born on 20th December 2004 – 20/12 day (20th day, 12th month). London 2012 promised children who were born on this day and registered with the London bid, a role in the official celebrations.
Now that London has won the right to host the Games and preparations are well underway, some of the 2012 babies were invited to London 2012’s Canary Wharf headquarters to meet Chairman Seb Coe and ambassador Sally Gunnell to mark their second birthday. Special guest Bob the Builder also dropped in to share in the birthday celebrations. The toddlers were shown views of the Olympic Park, and played with Seb, Sally and Bob the builder in a specially designed 2012 sandpit, complete with toy diggers and tractors.
Seb said “We won the Games for the young people in the UK and throughout the world, to get them inspired and involved in sport. I am delighted that Samuel and Holly were able to visit us today to see our offices and get a view of the Olympic Park, and see the preparations that are underway. Samuel and Holly reserved a place in history and will play a part in what we hope will be the best Olympic Games and Paralympic Games ever.
Sally Gunnell commented “I was brought up near the east end of London and it is wonderful to be here close to the Olympic Park site with children who will play a part in the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The Games will have something for everyone in the whole of the United Kingdom, and it’s great to see that the progress that has already been made.”
Samuel’s mother Victoria said of the visit “We were thrilled to be asked to bring Samuel to London and see how preparations are going at the London
2012’s headquarters and at the Olympic Park. We had a great day out and wish London 2012 all the best in their preparations for what will be a spectacular Games”.
Samuel and Holly are two years old now, and will be seven in 2012. They could feature in the opening or closing ceremonies, in the team welcome ceremonies, or in the programme of cultural events that will light up London’s parks and squares.
Seb and his team also send a Christmas card to all 750 babies who signed up to support the Games two years ago.
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