A coalition of current and former British Olympians and Paralympians has come together to endorse a proposed bid for the 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England, emphasizing the region's unique passion for sport. Among the prominent figures supporting the initiative are cycling legends Dame Laura Kenny, Sir Jason Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, and Tom Pidcock, who collectively expressed their backing in a joint statement.

Other notable athletes, including Laura Weightman, Marc Scott, and Paralympians Susie Rodgers, Krysten Coombs, Rob Davies, and Poppy Maskill, have also voiced their belief that the area possesses the capability to host a successful event. Last month, ministers tasked UK Sport with conducting an "initial strategic assessment" to evaluate the feasibility of hosting the Games, the first since London 2012.

The athletes highlighted the north of England's world-class venues, asserting that this location could build upon the legacy established by the 2012 London Games. They noted that the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Association's multi-city model makes hosting a distributed Games more feasible than ever.

In their statement, they conveyed that a "Great North Games" would unify the nation and showcase the best of Great Britain. They believe this event would symbolize a moment of renewal for the entire United Kingdom, inspiring future generations.

Ex-gymnast Beth Tweddle and former athletes Sir Brendan Foster, Steve Cram, and Allison Curbishley are also among the signatories advocating for the bid. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness emphasized the significance of having the support of elite athletes, noting the potential of a Great North Olympics to inspire and transform lives.

However, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan criticized the government's plans, suggesting that excluding the capital would represent a missed opportunity.