NORTH Cornwall’s MP has urged the government to not forget about Cornwall in its ambitions to bring the Olympic Games back to the UK.

Ben Maguire the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall has welcomed the government’s ambition to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United Kingdom, however has said that a genuinely nationwide approach would reflect the strengths of all regions and nations.

Ben Maguire MP commented: “Cornwall must be at the centre of any future Olympic bid. I welcome the government’s ambition to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United Kingdom. The success of London 2012 showed what the Games can achieve for our communities.

“Any future bid should reflect the strengths of the whole UK, using existing venues and natural assets across different regions and nations. A nationwide approach would properly reflect the diversity, geography and sporting strengths of the United Kingdom. We have a unique opportunity to inspire young people across our country by bringing the world’s most famous sporting event to their doorstep”

In an effort to ensure that Cornwall plays a key role in any future Olympic and Paralympic, the area’s MP has written a letter to the Secretary of State, Shabana Mahmood MP, highlighting the Duchy’s strength, particularly in hosting water-based sports along its stunning coastline.

“North Cornwall is home to world-class surfing beaches including Polzeath, while nearby Watergate Bay offers ideal conditions for Olympic kitesurfing and other coastal disciplines. The site is also located close to Cornwall Airport Newquay, providing strong transport links for athletes, officials and visitors,” wrote Mr Maguire.

“Cornwall has a proud Olympic heritage, with athletes including sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie, North Cornwall gold medallist Morgan Bolding, and double Olympic rowing champion Helen Glover, among others, representing Team GB with distinction.

“Their achievements have helped inspire a new generation of young athletes across Cornwall, the Southwest and beyond”.

The MP has stated that Cornwall already has a proven record of hosting major international events. In 2021, the region was home to the Tour of Britain cycling race which brought thousands of visitors to the county and delivered a significant boost to the local economy.

“A regional Olympic model would allow communities across the UK to share in the economic, tourism and sporting benefits of hosting the games,” added Mr Maguire.

“Cornwall has already demonstrated with events like the Tour of Britain that we can successfully host world-class sport and deliver real economic benefits for the local area.”

As part of his efforts to get Cornwall involved in the sporting event, Mr Maguire has called for support from his fellow MP’s across the region ‘to ensure the Duchy’s case is fully considered in any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid discussions.’