Uka Supports West Ham Stadium Bid

UKA has confirmed its formal support for West Ham and Newham Council in their joint bid to take over the Olympic Stadium.

UKA, the governing body for the United Kingdom Olympic and Paralympic sporst, has worked closely with a number of the bidding parties, but has taken the decision to align with the West Ham proposal as the sport’s preferred bidders.

UKA Chairman Ed Warner said: ‘What has impressed me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end, but with the retention of the community track, our future champions and club runners too.’
 
‘It was clear from the start that only a partnership approach would bring to life the vision Seb Coe had when he committed to an athletics legacy in 2005 and we believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond 2012.’
 
UKA is said to be keen to back West Ham’s bid because it is looking to host the World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the stadium.??

Tottenham Hotspur and AEG have previously confirmed that their bid does not include the running track at the stadium.