CYP Now - Analysis: The London Olympics - A golden opportunity for children

Last week's bombings in London put a halt to public celebrations of the city's Olympic bid success, but people on the ground in the East End are working to ensure that children across the country will benefit from a unique opportunity. Fay Schopen reports.

"I am pleased about the Olympics. I think we need more exercise and sports facilities. It's all right round here but there ain't much stuff to do."

Rakess, age 13, lives a stone's throw away from the southern edge of the proposed Olympic Park, and in this area of east London there is genuine excitement. "I think the facilities sound really good," says Gary, 15.

And Saffron, 11, cites "ice skating, football and rugby" as sports she wants to try.

Rakess, Saffron and Gary may be adults by 2012, but the rapid regeneration the games will bring could ensure a long lasting legacy for the East End, where, according to Government figures, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham - the Olympic park host boroughs - are the first, second and fifth most deprived places in the country.

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