The Red Arrows (pictured below) will swoop over London 2012 Live Sites in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London as a curtain-raiser to the Games.

The announcement has come despite newspaper reports – subsequently refuted by London 2012 – that the Red Arrows had been deemed "unsuitable" for the Opening Ceremony because its British military background might offend other nations.

The resulting public outcry caused over half-a-million people to add their names to a petition on the Downing Street website to reinstate the much-loved display team to the Games programme.


"The Red Arrows are honoured to have been invited to take part in the London 2012 Olympic Games celebrations to represent both the Royal Air Force and the very Best of British," said Jim Turner, Officer Commanding the Red Arrows, Red 1, Squadron Leader.

"My whole squadron, pilots and ground support staff alike, share the pride and privilege of being part of such a special occasion."

The announcement was one of several that marked 100 days to the beginning of the Olympics – including the unveiling of the London 2012 motto, "Inspire a Generation".

Reflecting the promise made when London successfully bid for the Games, the strapline will appear on branding and publications in the run up to, and during, the Games.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Coe, London 2012 chairman, and Paul Deighton, London 2012 chief executive, were joined by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson to unveil special Olympic Rings (pictured below) in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

The rings are 50 metres in length and made up of 20,000 plants.

They were planted over a period of five days by Kew staff aided by a team of volunteers and include viola "Clear Yellow", "Black Delight" and "Red Blotch" species along with pansy "Light Blue" and apple mint plants.

The horticultural rings will be visible to aircraft passengers on the nearby Heathrow Airport flight path.


While visiting Kew, Coe took the opportunity to hail the domestic and international support for the Games.

"With 100 days to go to the start of the Games, millions of people are getting ready to do the best work of their lives and welcome the world this summer," he said.

"There is a groundswell of support and excitement, not just in the United Kingdom but internationally, as the final countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games begins.

"Whether it's the competing athletes or people getting ready to join their communities in supporting Torchbearers on the streets of the UK, the whole world is getting ready for London.

"Expectations are high and we won't disappoint."

More details on the London 2012 Live Sites were also revealed today with 22 towns and cities across the UK serving as focal points for communities to join together and cheer on the athletes this summer.

Some 40 Live Sites – spread across the 22 locations – will feature "have a go" sessions for Olympic sports.

Up to 500,000 people per day are expected to celebrate the Games at the sites and watch the sporting action on big screens.

The permanent sites, run in partnership between London 2012, the BBC and local authorities, and supported by the National Lottery along with Live Sites partners BT and Lloyds TSB, and supporters Cisco and Cadbury, will become fully dedicated to London 2012 from May.

Across the UK, thousands of people have been marking the 100 days landmark.

At Weymouth and Portland, the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions, a giant sandcastle has been built featuring the Olympic Rings.

Activities at many Live Sites (pictured below) throughout the day included "have a go" sessions and interactive video games.


International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge was full of praise for London 2012 ahead of the Games.

"Organising the Olympics is a team effort, and over the next 100 days people from all walks of life and from all around the world will play their part in helping to make London 2012 a Games that will inspire a generation," he said.

"From the athletes refining their technique to the volunteers learning about their roles, to the Torchbearers carrying the Olympic Flame and the people supporting them as they go, each and every one is playing their part in making these a Games to remember.

"Around the world, the excitement is growing and expectations are high, but I am confident that Britain and London will deliver a great sporting event and a warm welcome, too."

"The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics are within touching distance now and there's something incredibly exciting about that," added Hunt.

"The country is getting ready to welcome the world this summer – and it's set to be an amazing celebration that we will never forget."

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