A SPECIAL Olympic briefing was held last night by Suffolk County Council for politicians in the county.Chaired by Lisa Chambers, portfolio holder for economic and cultural development and featuring a keynote address by councillor Stephen Castle, all those attending were fully briefed on the long lasting legacy the London 2012 Games could potentially bring the county.

A SPECIAL Olympic briefing was held last night by Suffolk County Council for politicians in the county.

Chaired by Lisa Chambers, portfolio holder for economic and cultural development and featuring a keynote address by councillor Stephen Castle, all those attending were fully briefed on the long lasting legacy the London 2012 Games could potentially bring the county.

In less than four year's time the UK will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The briefing was open to any parish, district, borough or county councillor from Suffolk and was specifically organised to demonstrate how all Suffolk councils can play their part in helping to maximise the benefits for the county from the London 2012 Games.

The event informed the county's political decision makers about the opportunities the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games can provide for the county as a whole, but more importantly, the local communities they serve.

Councillor Chambers said: " Local government, at all levels, have been identified as critical in realising the vision of maximising participation in the many opportunities that will exist between now and the start of the Games in 2012. These include the four year Cultural Olympiad, the domestic Education Programme, inspiring people to volunteer, take up sport, and lead healthier and greener lives. The briefing was a wonderful opportunity to spread this message to all councillors who attended."

Areas covered included a summary of the opportunities available to Suffolk through 2012 in a whole range of fields from business to tourism to sport to culture. Councillors were also briefed on some of the activity that is already happening in Suffolk on the back of the Games and advice was shared on what Suffolk's political decision makers can do to ensure Suffolk doesn't miss out on the opportunities presented by the Games.

Councillor Castle is the chairman of Nations and Regions East, the organisation responsible for all aspects of Olympic activity in the East of England and also a member of the Nations and Regions Group of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.