Beckham given role in London 2012 Opening Ceremony

By Andrew Warshaw

July 25 - David Beckham, controversially left out of the Team GB squad at London 2012, is to be given a cameo role at Friday's Opening Ceremony – but he will not be lighting the cauldron.

Speculation as to what role the former England captain would play has intensified given his high profile ambassadorial role in helping London secure the Games in 2005.

"It is some kind of role in the Opening Ceremony which I am honoured to be involved in because, obviously, I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago," said Beckham when asked how he would be involved.

Ever since Beckham was omitted from the football squad, London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe has pledged the 37-year-old would not be ignored.

"David has been an extraordinary supporter – probably our number one supporter – of the Games from the very beginning and is keen to continue his enthusiastic support right to the end," Coe said.

"He is from East London and knows how important the Games and sport are to young people.

David Beckham (left) and Sir Steve Redgrave (right) at a London 2012 press conference in Singapore in July 2005 

"He is a great role model."

The identity of the person who will actually light the flame remains a closely guarded secret.

But Beckham, who will catch as many events as he can despite having to jet backwards and forwards to play for LA Galaxy in the United States, told CNN: "I'm excited to be part of such a huge occasion for our country.

"It's exciting to have the Games in the East End of London and I'm very honoured to be part of that."

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