Scratchcard begins countdown for 2012

The seven-year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games was kicked off on 27 July with a number of events, including the official launch of a new ‘Go for Gold’ Olympic scratchcard.

The launch of the scratchcard by Camelot begins a massive fund raising programme which will see the National Lottery contributing up to £1.5bn towards the £2.375bn cost of hosting the Games through the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund.

Half of this sum is expected to come from a series of dedicated lottery games – such as the scratchcard – designed specifically to fund the 2012 Games.

The government said that a further £340m will be allocated from existing elite sport programmes by the Sports Lottery fund and another £410m from the mainstream lottery.

Diane Thomson, chief executive of Camelot, said: “National Lottery players can all play a part in contributing to the Games, which will not only be a catalyst for regeneration in London, but also create a lasting legacy for sport in the UK.”

Lord Coe, chair of London 2012, said: “The new Go for Gold scratchcards will provide key funding to make the London Games happen.”

Meanwhile, preparation work involving the London development Agency (LDA) has begun at the Aquatics venue, located adjacent to the new Olympic stadium site. Details: www.london2012.org.uk