Parliament and Olympics' connection: New public exhibition opens

- 21 June 2010

A PUBLIC exhibition celebrating the relationship between Parliament and the Olympic and Paralympic Games will open in the Palace of Westminster on Thursday.

Running until the end of August, the exhibition will highlight arts and culture from constituencies throughout the UK - from individual contributions from its Members to its ongoing work through scrutiny and debate while getting the latest information on how the delivery of the 2012 Games is progressing as well as models of venues.

Members of both the Houses have competed in the Games in the past, from athletics to bobsleigh to rowing. The exhibition is a chance to see a collection of fascinating memorabilia that has been loaned by individual Members of both Houses.

It includes: The Olympic torch from the 1948 London Olympic Games and the programme from the Opening Ceremony; running shoes worn by Lord Coe at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games and Gold and Silver medals won by Members.

1500m gold medallist Lord Coe, who chairs the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games said: "Members of both Houses are vital stakeholders for us on the road to London 2012. Together we are working to ensure that the Games in 2012 will be a fantastic event for the UK public...This exhibition will help to tell the story of the journey so far and our plans for 2012.