Welcome
Welcome to the first newsletter from the BBC looking ahead to the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, and, of course, to the London Games in 2012. I am delighted to chair the BBC's Olympics and Paralympics 2012 Co-ordinating Group, overseeing the BBC's coverage of what will be the biggest sporting event ever held in the UK. Thousands of athletes, officials and journalists; tens of thousands of volunteers; millions of spectators, and - globally - hundreds of millions of viewers, listeners and internet users will participate in and collectively witness what will be a once-in-a-lifetime event here in the UK. Between now and 2012, billions of pounds will be spent on building the infrastructure needed to host both Games, and the impact on London and other areas of the UK will be felt for generations, both in terms of an immediate effect and as a long-lasting legacy. The BBC is rightly proud of its long and distinguished history in covering the Olympics and Paralympics, and of the strong relationship it has built up with the Olympic movement. In the past, this relationship has primarily involved BBC Sport; however, 2012 represents a moment in time for the whole of the BBC to feel connected and involved. The 2012 Games also coincide with the UK's television services becoming fully digital, giving the BBC a unique opportunity to embrace the world of interactivity, on-demand and audience participation. These factors have created a huge sense of excitement from both a sporting and a cultural perspective - centred on London but with events taking place throughout the UK. This excitement is mirrored in the creativity, innovation and ambition that the BBC intends to bring to its audiences when the Olympic flame is lit in five years' time. And, of course, we'll also be giving comprehensive coverage in the build-up to the Games - in sports, culture and concerts, public information and journalism. In this introductory newsletter, you can read about our preparations for the Beijing Games next year; the 2012 Cultural Olympiad; what the BBC is planning across the UK; the digital Olympics; the latest on BBC London's activities; and some personal reflections from the BBC's Sports Editor, Mihir Bose. We intend to keep you in touch with our plans over the coming months and years. I would very much welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Please use the link below to get in contact with the BBC's Olympics and Paralympics Co-ordinating Group. To repeat, it is our intention to make the whole Olympic and Paralympic experience the most creative and ambitious content offer ever brought to audiences - to match this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you have an idea, suggestion or comment, please get in touch! Mark Byford, Deputy Director-General BBC 
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