By Tom Degun at the Tate Modern in London

Double_Olympic_Champion_Rebecca_Adlington_and_11_times_Paralympic_gold_medallist_David_Roberts_25-08-11August 25 - Beijing 2008 double Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington was the first on board The National Lottery's London 2012 Games hot air balloon as it took flight outside Tate Modern, one of the capital's most iconic landmarks.


Adlington was joined onboard by 11-time Paralympic swimming gold medallist David Roberts to launch the 2011 balloon tour, which celebrates National Lottery funding to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The tour aims to thank Lottery players for their investment of up to £2.2 billion ($3.6 billion/€2.5 billion) into the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venues and infrastructure, athlete preparation, grassroots sport and the Cultural Olympiad.

"It's great that virtually all the venues for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are already up and running with a year to go," said Adlington, who will be looking to defend both her 400 and 800 metres freestyles titles at the Olympic Park's Aquatics Centre next year.

"If I qualify, competing in front of home crowds will be incredibly special and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Lottery players are making a really vital contribution to London 2012.

"I find it staggering that they raise £28 million ($45 million/€32 million) each week for good causes.

"It really helps support elite athletes like me and investment in the venues and infrastructure for the Games."

Roberts, who is set to compete at his fourth Paralympic Games at London 2012, said: "National Lottery funding has made a huge difference to my swimming career and helped me to continue winning medals since my Paralympic debut at the Sydney Games back in 2000.

"In Paralympic sport I am proud to say Great Britain has really led the way and that is very much down to the vital funding we have received to make it happen.

"The prospect of a home Paralympic Games is something you can't really fully imagine but it's only round the corner now.

"It will be very special to compete on home soil and I can't wait."

The Tate Modern, which has already received Lottery funding, is participating in the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, giving people across the UK the chance to celebrate and be inspired by the Games through arts and cultural events in local communities.

"Lottery players are making an important contribution to good causes in every part of the UK, through the Cultural Olympiad and many other initiatives," added Ruth Mackenzie, the director of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

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