ASIAN BID AMBASSADORS BACK LONDON 2012
(20 January 2005)

Backing from the UK’s Asian community for London’s 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games bid has been strengthened by the announcement that Karan Bilimoria, Tony Sarin, Raj Loomba and Tony Lit are to be Bid Ambassadors. Mayor of London,Ken Livingstone said: "The support of all London’s communities is important in helping us win the Games in 2012." London has over 30,000 Asian businesses employing over 100,000 people with an annual turnover of nearly £16bn. As well as their contribution to the capital’s economy and diversity, London’s Asian businesses play a key role in building links between the capital and the fastest growing world economies including India and China.

Announced at the Mayor of London’s annual Asian Business Reception held to recognise of the contribution London’s Asian businesses make to the capital’s economy, Ken Livingstone added, "I am pleased to announce these Bid Ambassadors who are leading figures from the UK’s Asian Business communities. They will help ensure Asian people across London and the UK participate fully in London’s bid and are aware of the great benefits a London Games would bring to the capital and nation."

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012 and a special guest at the reception, said: ‘London’s bid for the 2012 Games is in great shape and the addition of four leading figures from Asian business as Bid Ambassadors will strengthen it further. Every athlete that comes to compete at a London Games will find a community here to cheer them on. It is important that Londoners from all races, religions and cultures are enthused and excited by the prospect of bringing the Games to London.’

Around 250 people attended the Mayor’s Asian Business Reception including Asian business and community leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries including representatives from the Embassies of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.

Events of recent weeks have witnessed huge losses in many of Asia’s communities and around the world. Ken Livingstone said: ‘This year’s Asian business reception provides an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives as a result of the Tsunami – and the families and communities who have borne those losses. London’s Asian communities will be among those closely affected by this terrible disaster. I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the tragic losses experienced. We all hope those areas worst affected gain the assistance they need to rebuild lives and livelihoods.’

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