OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS BACK NORTH OF ENGLAND GAMES AMBITION

Published 23 June 2026 at 5:11pm

Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes from across the country have united behind the ambition to bring a future Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England, adding their names to a joint statement of support for a North of England Games.

The joint statement, signed by more than 40 Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes, has attracted support from some of Britain's most recognisable sporting names, including Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful Paralympian, double Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, Ed Clancy, gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Steve Cram.

They are joined by leading figures from across British sport, including Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, Olympic medallists Laura Weightman and Marc Scott, Paralympic medallists Susie Rodgers, Krysten Coombs and Rob Davies, and a new generation of athletes such as Paris 2024 Paralympic champion Poppy Maskill, creating a broad coalition of sporting talent backing the ambition for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England.

Their support represents the most significant athlete backing yet for the Great North Games vision and demonstrates growing momentum behind the proposal, as Government and sports governing bodies explore the feasibility of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North.

The support comes at a pivotal moment for the proposal. Earlier this year, Northern mayors and leaders, through The Great North, called on Government to explore the potential for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North of England. Last week, the Government confirmed it would begin an initial strategic assessment into the feasibility of a future Games in the North, marking the first formal step in exploring the opportunity.

The announcement comes ahead of a landmark event at the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield, hosted by South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, where Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Luke Campbell, athletes, sporting governing bodies and partners will come together to discuss the future of the North of England Olympic and Paralympic ambition.

The event will mark the first major gathering since the Government announced it would explore the feasibility of a Northern-hosted Games and will focus on how the North can develop a credible, deliverable vision for a future bid.

In their statement, athletes describe a Northern-hosted Games as an opportunity to build on the legacy of London 2012, unite the country behind a shared ambition and showcase the very best of Great Britain to the world.

The statement reads:

"A 'Great North' Games would be a national Games. It would bring the country together in common purpose. It would showcase the very best of Great Britain."

Athletes highlight the North's world-class venues, experienced event hosts and unrivalled passion for sport, arguing that a future Games could inspire generations and leave a lasting legacy for communities across the country. The statement concludes:

"We believe that hosting a Games in the North of England in 2040 would be a moment of renewal and confidence for the entire United Kingdom."

Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

"The support of athletes who have represented Great Britain on the biggest stage of all is hugely significant. They understand better than anyone the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire, unite and transform lives.

"A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, powered by the pride and participation of Northern communities, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. This growing movement of support shows the strength of feeling behind the idea and the opportunity it presents for the whole country.

"We're grateful to every athlete who has added their name to this vision and look forward to working together as we take the next steps."

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

“This is an important moment. Not only do we have some of our country’s greatest living athletes backing plans for an Olympic Games in the North of England, we have real momentum building behind that plan.   

“Today’s summit in Sheffield represents the next step forward on that journey.  We know what we’re capable of here in South Yorkshire and across the North: we’ve got the talent, the ambition, and the passion to deliver something truly special.

“A Great North Games would be about more than just sport; it would be a catalyst for opportunity, for investment and for inspiring the next generation of athletes. South Yorkshire can play a central role, with the whole North of England helping turn that vision into a reality.”

The Olympic Legacy Park, created as part of the legacy of London 2012, provides a fitting backdrop for the discussions, bringing together leaders from sport, government and civic institutions to consider how a future Games could inspire a new generation, increase participation in sport and physical activity, and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the North.

The Great North's vision is for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games that harnesses the region's world-class sporting assets, creates the largest civic and volunteering movement ever seen around a UK Games, inspires millions of people into sport and community action, and accelerates investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across Northern communities.