The world's best athletes are set to head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the three-day athletics spectacular, including a two-day International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League meeting on July 24 and 25, and the Sainsbury's International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics Grand Prix Final on July 26.

With the IAAF World Championships set to take place in Beijing from August 22 to 30, the Games will provide athletes with the opportunity to make final preparations.

The first edition of the event was held at the same venue in July 2013, and saw Farah claim 3,000 metres victory nearly a year after being crowned the 5,000 and 10,000m Olympic champion.

On Saturday (February 21), the 31-year-old claimed the first world record of his career as he won the two-mile race at the Sainsbury's Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham.

"It's fantastic that the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games is planning to return to the former Olympic Stadium this summer and I can't wait to get back on this track to compete, at what will be a stunning celebration of athletics," he said.

"The atmosphere will be amazing and I'm sure it will bring back the memories of London 2012 and the inaugural Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in 2013.

"I hope the British public will be as excited as I am about this event, and will come out to support the athletes.

"I'm sure it will be the best outdoor meet this year and a great send off to the World Championships."



Retail giant Sainsbury's became the title sponsor of the event in April 2013 after signing a major deal with British Athletics, who hold the right to host athletics in the London 2012 Olympic Stadium for one month every year for the next 50 years from 2016.

The Stadium, set to host five matches of this year's Rugby World Cup, is currently closed as work continues to transform it into the new national competition centre for British Athletics and the permanent home of Premier League football club West Ham United.

"The Sainsbury's Anniversary Games this summer will mark the start of new athletics legacy at the former Olympic Stadium," said British Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos. 

"For one month a year the Stadium will be the beating heart of athletics in this country and we want the nation to get excited about it and be part of it.

"As well as hosting the best international competitions in the world we need to create a two, three or four-week festival where that Stadium is buzzing with athletics and fans every day."

Tara Hewitt, head of sponsorship at Sainsbury's, added: "Seeing the likes of Mo Farah return to the Olympic Stadium for the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games will be one of this year's monumental sporting events.

"Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out or a sporting enthusiast looking to see elite action, there will be something for everyone."

Mo Farah celebrates as he crosses the line to win the 5,000m event at London 2012
©Getty Images




Paralympic stars from all over the world are expected to compete at the Stadium and the London Aquatics Centre on July 26, with many London 2012 champions returning to the place where they won gold.

The events will be part of National Paralympic Day, a celebration of the Paralympic Movement, and will also include the Mayor of London's Liberty Festival.

"I am excited to announce that National Paralympic Day will be returning this year with elite sports competitions in both swimming and athletics, as well as lots of fun, family-friendly activity on the Park," said Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association.

"Over 50,000 people have taken up the chance to come to the Park to be part National Paralympic Day over the past two years and relive the wonder of the London 2012 Paralympics.

"This year, tickets will be available to see an outstanding selection of world-class sport and fans will get to see our amazing athletes in action once more."

Supporters are invited to register now for tickets which are planned to go on sale at the end of April.

To register interest for tickets to the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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