Olympic Legacy Media Centre
Contact the press office: press@leevalleypark.org.uk
Interview and comment
Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive - a golden thread through legacy
Our Chief Executive Shaun Dawson has uniquely been a golden thread through legacy present at every stage - he helped put together London’s Bid for 2012, was part of the small UK team in Singapore that won the Games, was involved in every stage of venue planning and design to ensure they were built for legacy and now leads the team that deliver our three thriving venues.
Shaun regularly speaks about Olympic sporting legacy at events and panels around the world and advised Tokyo and Rio on their legacy.

Our three London 2012 legacy venues
More than 13.5 million people have come to our three legacy venues
-
1.8 million have taken part hockey, tennis, cycling and white water activities
-
660,000 have attended major international events
-
Millions more have participated in our community health and wellbeing initiatives, had unforgettable experiences or come to glimpse at where history was made
In this milestone year for Lee Valley, coinciding with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are celebrating the 10 year anniversaries of Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre opening to the public following London 2012 and an incredible 13 year legacy at Lee Valley White Water Centre.
-
740,000 have cycled at Lee Valley VeloPark
-
455,000 have taken part in hockey and tennis at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
-
600,000 have taken to the water at Lee Valley White Water Centre
Community access is at the heart
-
90% of the programming across all three venues is for communities, schools and clubs
-
24,000 people from disadvantaged groups have engaged in funded programmes
Our three legacy venues have hosted 35 major international events since London 2012:
-
660,000 spectators
-
9,500 free community tickets
Changing lives - case studies
We can provide you with real stories of people whose lives have been transformed by our inspirational legacy venues. From opportunities to try a sport for the first time which has led to new passions and hobbies to providing training grounds for underrepresented clubs who are now thriving and life changing funding/ grants which have broken down barriers for disadvantaged and disability groups – please let us know what you are looking for.
Lee Valley White Water Centre has been developing local talent for the past 11 years, propelling local school children to the international stage. It is widely expected that the Canoe Slalom team in the next Olympic round will be largely drawn from local athletes.