Farah Launches Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games
Mo Farah returned to the former Olympic Stadium this weekend to launch the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games, due to take place in the venue at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from 24-26th July.
Some of the world’s best athletes, including the double Olympic 10,000m and 5,000m champion, are set to head to the Park for the three-day event – which will feature a two-day Diamond League meeting on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July, with the Sainsbury’s IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final taking place on Sunday 26th July.
The launch ended a mixed week for Farah, who broke the two-mile indoor world record at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix, although the build-up was largely dominated by a public twitter spat with Great Britain team-mate Andy Vernon.
Speaking at the launch, Farah said: “It’s fantastic that the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games is planning to return to the former Olympic Stadium this summer and I can’t wait to get back on this track to compete, at what will be a stunning celebration of athletics.
“The atmosphere will be amazing and I’m sure it will bring back the memories of London 2012 and the inaugural Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in 2013.
“I hope the British public will be as excited as I am about this event, and will come out to support the athletes. I’m sure it will be the best outdoor meet this year and a great send off to the World Championships.”
The Stadium is currently closed as work continues to transform it into the new national competition centre for British Athletics in 2016 and the permanent home of West Ham United FC.
A major construction project is also underway for the stadium to host a number of sporting events later this year including five matches of the Rugby World Cup.
British Athletics have won the right to host athletics in the stadium for one month every year for the next 50 years from 2016.
British Athletics chief executive, Niels de Vos said: “The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games this summer will mark the start of new athletics legacy at the former Olympic Stadium.
“For one month a year the Stadium will be the beating heart of athletics in this country and we want the nation to get excited about it and be part of it.
“As well as hosting the best international competitions in the world we need to create a two, three or four-week festival where that Stadium is buzzing with athletics and fans every day.”
Tara Hewitt, head of sponsorship at Sainsbury’s, added: “Seeing the likes of Mo Farah return to the Olympic Stadium for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games will be one of this year’s monumental sporting events. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out or a sporting enthusiast looking to see elite action, there will be something for everyone.”
