Tutu says Olympics can change East London

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said the Olympic Games can be a "catalyst for change" in East London.

The Archbishop beamed as he toured the Olympic Park site in spite of the damp weather and overcast sky.

He was joined by Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, and local school children yesterday.

"It is very exciting today to see how the Games are a catalyst for change in this part of London and how they will deliver a lasting social, economic and sporting legacy," said Tutu.

"As a South African, I know how much sport can help bring different people and nations together.

"I feel strongly that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be a fantastic celebration of the many different communities and cultures which exist in London and the rest of the UK and will bring everyone together."

The Archbishop was present as Mr Coe and Olympics CEO Paul Deighton signed the London 2012 Diversity and Inclusion pledge.

Mr Coe said: "Such is the diversity of London that this city is probably one of the only few in the world where every competing nation in 2012 will feel that they have a home crowd.

"Sport has a real role to play in healing and bringing a nation together. We are thrilled that Archbishop Desmond Tutu could come and see the progress London 2012 is making, not only on the Olympic Park, but also in terms of our diversity and inclusion work."