LONDON, Sept 26: Olympic and Paralympics flags were raised on Friday outside City Government’s Hall in a public event to formally mark London becoming host city for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

Beijing Gold medallist runner Christine Ohuruogu raised the Olympic flag, whilst women’s arm only single scull Paralympics gold medallist Helene Raynsford joined Chris Holmes one of Britain’s most successful Paralympics swimmers, for the Paralympics flag. Britain had one of the most successful performance at the Beijing Olympics with a haul of 19 gold medals while in the Paralympics it won 42 golds.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Chairman of the London Olympics Organising Committee Lord Sebastian Coe and Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell spoke at the event, which was attended by 1948 Olympians, 2012 hopefuls, children from the nearby Tower Bridge Primary School, London Assembly Members, borough leaders and community leaders.

Speaking on the occasion Boris Johnson said: “Raising the flags together at City Hall marks a historic moment for London, following the return of all our athletes who performed so brilliantly at the Beijing Games.

“The flags signal our dedication and commitment to ensuring that the London Games in 2012 will be a sporting feast open to everyone.”

The flag raising ceremony took place with Tower Bridge as a backdrop and large banners revealing the London 2012 emblem were unfurled from the bridge at the end of the ceremony.

On Oct16, a London parade of the medals winning British athletes in both Olympics and Paralympics will be held.—AP