Amidst presentations by Lord Coe of the LOGOC organising committee and Lord Moynihan of the British Olympic Association, Much Wenlock in Shropshire set out its stall for recognition as Britain's historic birthplace of the modern olympic tradition.
Local MP Philip Dunne introduced a session explaining Much Wenlock's legitimate claim to be the historic inspiration for the modern olympic movement.
He said : "My vision is to ensure that by the Closing Ceremony at the end of London 2012 everyone with any interest in the Olympics, from participant to spectator around the world, will recognise that the modern Olympic journey which has led to London 2012 began in Britain, in Much Wenlock back in 1850."
The prevailing view is that inspiration for the modern Olympics came from a Frenchman, Baron de Coubertin, who had the idea and took it to Athens where the modern games started in 1896. Well he got his idea from Dr William Penny Brookes in Much Wenlock following a visit to the Wenlock Olympian Games of 1890.
Chris Cannon, official archivist of the Wenlock Olympian Society, illustrated the development of the games in Wenlock and the role Dr Brookes played in introducing competitive amateur sports for all.
Cllr Barbara Craig, portfolio holder for Shropshire County Council, was present and commented: "the case for Shropshire to be recognised as part of the preparations for 2012 was well made. We hope one legacy from the Games will be the re-writing of Olympics history."
