THE case for the 2012 Olympics Games being awarded to London, ahead of other parts of the United Kingdom, is not overwhelming.

To focus so much national investment and international attention on the wealthiest and most recognisable area of our country is difficult to justify.

But the International Olympic Committee, in its wisdom, appears to be determined that if the Games come to Britain, it will be the capital city and nowhere else.

Nevertheless, we should still embrace with enthusiasm the notion of the Olympics coming to London and actively promote and support the bid.

While it will be inevitable that London will get the lion's share of the benefits, there are potential spin-offs for other parts of the country.

The prospect of the Games coming here is bound to rejuvenate interest in sport at all levels. That can only be good for the health and well-being of the population.

And the whole country will share in the economic benefits that the Games are bound to create.

Potentially our region has much to gain from just being a part of a country whose capital is to host the Olympic Games.