Poll reveals that 78% of public supports 2012 Games
Almost 80% of the population support the 2012 London Olympics, according to a nationwide survey published today.
Despite the gloom surrounding the financial crisis, 78% of the British public said they supported the Games and about 75% said they were confident it would be successful.
The poll, taken by the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, showed that 75% said the benefits of the Olympic legacy should go beyond sport.
Of the 34% who think the long-term benefits of the Games are important, 32% consider the regeneration of east London a priority.
Tessa Jowell, the Olympics minister, welcomed the poll’s findings: “The support of people across the UK for the Olympics and Paralympics is an important expression of our hope that London 2012 will be everyone's Games. People are enthusiastic, interested and confident that we will stage a fantastic spectacle.”
Jowell said that starting construction on the aquatics centre and the Olympic stadium “”months ahead of schedule” had helped to improve public interest.
