As the shadow portfolio holder responsible for the Olympic Games, I wanted to express my delight at the recent visit to Colchester by the Indian sports minister.

It enabled our officers, together with our partners from the university and the garrison, to showcase what we have to offer.

I would also like to praise the work of county councillor Stephen Castle and his team for their work and commitment to 2012, and in particular for leading the visit by the Indian delegation to Colchester.

It was the Conservatives in Colchester who started the initiative to form an Olympic Group, which also saw our town approved as an Olympic 2012 training and holding camp venue.

Conservative group councillors will continue to fully support Colchester’s Olympic partnership in their efforts to attract teams to use Colchester as their base for the Games.

To have world-class athletes based in the town will be good, not only for businesses, but will promote our sporting outlets, the university, and the Garrison.

Having such high-profile athletes in Colchester would inspire many more of us to be more active, and to work towards a healthier lifestyle; they will also leave a legacy for tourism in Colchester that will last for many years.

Pauline Hazell
Shadow portfolio holder
for culture and leisure,
Colchester Council