London 2012: Organisers unveil motto, Olympic rings with 100 days to go

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) today unveiled the motto for the Games – ‘Inspire a generation’, reflecting the promise made when London won the bid, as part of the celebrations marking 100 days to go to the Olympic Games.

The Committee also launched the latest ‘spectacular’ installation of the Olympic Rings at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, west London. The rings are 50m long, made up of 20,000 plants and are visible from the Heathrow flight path.

LOCOG also announced that the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team will perform a nine-ship flypast in Big Battle formation to symbolically link the whole of the UK and provide a quintessential British welcome on the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremony (July 27th).

Across the UK, thousands of people will be marking 100 days to go.  At Weymouth and Portland, the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions, a giant sandcastle has been built featuring the Olympic Rings.  There will also be activities including have a go sessions and interactive video games at many Live Sites throughout today. 

LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: "With 100 days to go to the start of the Games, millions of people  are getting ready to do the best work of their lives and welcome the world this summer.

"There is a groundswell of support and excitement, not just in the UK, but internationally as the final countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games begins."

"Whether it’s the competing athletes or people getting ready to join their communities in supporting Torchbearers on the streets of the UK, the whole world is getting ready for London. Expectations are high, and we won’t disappoint," he added.

On his part, IOC President Jacques Rogge said: "Organising the Olympics is a team effort and over the next hundred days, people from all walks of life and from all around the world will play their part in helping to make London 2012 a Games that will inspire a generation.

"From the athletes refining their technique, to the volunteers learning about their roles, to the torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame and the people supporting them as they go, each and every one of them is playing their part in making these a Games to remember.

"Around the world, the excitement is growing and expectations are high but I am confident that Britain and London will deliver a great sporting event and a warm welcome too."

(Photos courtesy - LOCOG)