London's Tate Modern With Rebecca Adlington

24th August 2011

The National Lottery's London 2012 Games hot air balloon tour launched today at Tate Modern to thank Lottery players for their investment in London 2012.

Double Olympic Swimming Champion Rebecca Adlington was the first onboard The National Lottery's London 2012 Games Hot Air Balloon today as it took flight outside Tate Modern.

As the balloon rose above London's celebrated skyline, Adlington was joined on board by eleven time Paralympic gold medallist David Roberts. The duo were on board to launch the 2011 balloon tour which celebrates National Lottery funding to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The tour aims to thank Lottery players for their investment of up to £2.2 billion into the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, having invested in venues and infrastructure, athlete preparation, grassroots sport and the Cultural Olympiad.

Speaking at the event Double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington said: "It's great that virtually all the venues for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are already up and running with a year to go. If I qualify, competing in front of home crowds will be incredibly special and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Lottery players are making a really vital contribution to London 2012. I find it staggering that they raise £28 million each week for good causes. It really helps support elite athletes like me and investment in the venues and infrastructure for the Games."

11 times Paralympic gold medallist David Roberts added: "National Lottery funding has made a huge difference to my swimming career and helped me to continue winning medals since my Paralympic debut at the Sydney Games back in 2000.

"Without the support of the Lottery, becoming a full-time athlete would have been virtually impossible. In Paralympic sport I am proud to say Great Britain has really led the way and that is very much down to the vital funding we have received to make it happen. The prospect of a home Paralympic Games is something you can't really fully imagine but it's only round the corner now. It will be very special to compete on home soil and I can't wait!"

The launch took place at Tate Modern, which is just one of London's many iconic landmarks to have received Lottery funding. Tate is also participating in the Cultural Olympiad, which will give people across the UK the chance to celebrate and be inspired by the Games through arts and cultural events in local communities.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, Cultural Olympiad, commented: "Lottery players are making an important contribution to good causes in every part of the UK, through the Cultural Olympiad and many other initiatives."

Exclusive Ballooning's National Lottery 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games hot air balloon at the Tate Modern Museum, London with Rebecca Adlington. Picture copyright Window on the World London