00:00The Great North Group, made up of mayors and senior officials from across the north,
00:05has written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy,
00:07asking the government to pledge support for any future Olympic or Paralympic Games
00:12being hosted in northern England.
00:14They argue that the region has the infrastructure, experience and ambition
00:19to deliver a successful Games, pointing to previous large-scale events,
00:24including the Eurovision Song Contest and the Commonwealth Games.
00:28Campaigners say northern cities can benefit from long-term investment and regeneration,
00:33create opportunities for young people and provide a balanced distribution of major events across the UK.
00:40Mayors, including Steve Rotherham and Andy Burnham, stress that the north already has strong transport links and venues,
00:47alongside cultural and sporting expertise.
00:50They propose working closely with national sporting bodies to develop feasibility studies and legacy plans.
00:56Sir Brendan Foster and other supporters highlight the wider social and economic impact of hosting a northern Games.
01:03The group suggests a multi-city or regional approach could showcase multiple towns and cities while leaving a lasting legacy.
01:11Leaders say the campaign aligns with northern powerhouse rail investment and wider regeneration plans,
01:17ensuring that the Games would deliver sustainable long-term benefits across the region.
01:21The campaigners are encouraging national sporting bodies to consider a fair and balanced approach for hosting major international events.
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