Sticker campaign

CRAIG Butler from Giltbrook in Nottingham is showing off his love for Weymouth with a Bring on the Games sticker.

He has claimed one of 15,000 free window stickers, produced by the Dorset Echo in partnership with NHS Dorset’s Team Dorset Challenge, the borough’s Chamber of Commerce and the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Team, to celebrate the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

IT worker Mr Butler, aged 26, said: “I first fell in love with Weymouth when on holiday four years ago and have been coming back ever since.

“I would love to move there in the future and set up my own guest house on the Esplanade.

“I am looking forward to the games so much as it will bring a fantastic amount of tourism for the area from all walks of life and all parts of the world which can only be good for Weymouth and Portland and a much needed boost for the local economy.

“It will put the area firmly on the map with the TV and paper coverage and will show what the area as to offer – including the new viewing tower – which will be a sublime addition to Weymouth.”

He added: “I will be supporting the Olympic and Paralympics games when I am down in the summer they will be fantastic to watch stars from around the globe & hopefully a few medals for Great Britain along the way!”

Workshop

A ‘FULL house’ at Friday’s Olympic advice workshop for businesses has meant that organisers will be holding an extra event this week.

The free workshop, which aims to enable Dorset businesses to prepare for the influx of visitors during the Olympic sailing events, will be taking place on Friday from 1pm at Weymouth’s Community Fire Station in Radipole Lane.

Chris Hook, who is organising the events on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority and Dorset County Council, said: “I had a sell out session at my 1pm workshop on Friday February 10 and will be running another Weymouth session on February 17 to deal with the reserves.

“The time is 1pm and its at the fire station again.”

To book your place, please email: j.hogg@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk For more information visit dorsetforyou.com/london2012/transport

Tribunal

BRITAIN’S sailing legend Ben Ainslie has been cleared to compete at the London Games after a tribunal.

The triple Olympic gold medallist’s behaviour came under the spotlight after a confrontation with a television boat led to his disqualification from the World Championships in Australia.

Ainslie finished second in the ninth Finn class race behind Holland’s Pieter-Jan Postma but felt impeded by the media boat’s wake on the downwind leg.

After the race ended, Ainslie swam over to the offending boat and confronted the crew.

A Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Tribunal met on Thursday and agreed with the International Jury that Ainslie’s behaviour ‘amounted to a ‘gross breach of good manners and conduct’ but ruled that it ‘would not be appropriate to impose a penalty over and above that imposed by the International Jury at the event.’ Ainslie, 35, said: “I welcome the RYA Tribunal’s decision and am looking forward to fully focusing on my Olympic preparations.”

Volunteers

APPLICATION forms have been flooding in to the Nothe Fort from volunteers who wish to help during the 2012 Games.

Events team leader Jane Chandler has been ‘inundated’ with phone calls and email enquiries.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the response.

“I’ve even had a phone call from Malta, from a man who is returning home to Dorset and wants to help.

“His application was sent in online.”

More volunteers are still needed.

Find out more and download an application form online at nothefort.org.uk