North East glories in sport’s golden decade

Jul 30 2009 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

THE country’s impending “golden decade” of global sporting events will offer the greatest ever worldwide spotlight and afterglow for the North East.

That was the view of economic and tourism experts last night, as well as civic and business leaders, who are hailing the forthcoming possible arrival of Olympic football and rugby league and union World Cup matches to the region as an “incredible” prospect.

Add the possibility of playing a part in any successful 2018 football World Cup bid and the North East would boast a role in the two greatest sporting shows on Earth in the next 10 years.

Iconic structures such as the Tyne Bridge, Sage Gateshead, Angel of the North and Millennium Bridge will become familiar to billions via television screens across the world.

And experts say the weeks-long period of involvement in the sporting contests will be the start of a sustained period of growth in the region’s economy and tourist numbers.

Regional development agency One North East said the events were a once-in-a-generation chance to achieve a true global identity.

Louise Davis, the group’s head of tourism and culture, said: “There is a real enthusiasm in the region to take advantage of these sporting events for the benefit of North East England.

“These huge gatherings have potentially massive benefits for tourism, but also have wider social benefits such as volunteering opportunities and employment.”