Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Communications and External Affairs.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Corporate Communications and External Affairs which set out the City Corporation’s proposals to engage in the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in July, August and September 2024.

In the discussion the following points were made:

·       This presented an opportunity to engage with high level domestic and international stakeholders at the world’s biggest sporting event in a neighbouring European city.

·       This was the first time that a European city had hosted the games since London 2012.

·       The Mayor of London and the GLA were keen that London was represented and involved with GB House which was a place to invest and promote interests in partnership with the GLA bringing together business and sport.

·       Work with UK Sport had provided a solid base of evidence for the economic and soft power and international trade benefits of business and sport working together of £4billion of economic value to Great Britain over the next 10 years.

·       Details of partnership arrangement were yet to be agreed by the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the British Paralympic Association (BPA). These would be shared with Members to scrutinise in due course.

·       Although £100,000 was a significant sum, it was much less than most organisations would pay to engage in the Paris Games and was the minimum required to have meaningful engagement.

·       In addition to the Paris engagement and the sponsorship of GB House, there was also the engagement which could happen in the City around fan zones, a possible parade and an opportunity to celebrate Olympic Day on 26 June.

·       The BOA and BPA were charities and to run a successful GB House operation, support was required from organisations such as the City of London Corporation. Those who would be attracted to GB House include domestic political leaders, business leaders and the International Olympic Committee top level sponsors.

RESOLVED, That, following a unanimous vote, Members of the Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub-Committee endorse the City Corporation’s engagement approach to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as outlined in the Officer report.

[Deputy Rehana Ameer for the discussion and vote on this item].