MORE than 20 organisations have joined forces in Dorset to orchestrate the smooth running of the sailing competition and associated events for the London 2012 Games.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been described in organisation and resource terms as ‘the largest single project undertaken in the UK for over 70 years’.

A series of working groups in the county, collectively known as the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Group, have the responsibilities of transport, visitors, culture, health and safety, communications, safety and security and volunteering.

Key contacts for each of the groups are bringing insight to their activities through a weekly column in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetforyou.com/London2012.

Here’s Simon Williams, head of Weymouth and Portland's 2012 operations: SO… What did the Greeks ever do for Portland?

The Greeks started the Olympic Games 2,700 years ago and we are now in the 30th Olympiad of the modern Games which were started in the late 19th century.

The venue for the sailing events is based on the Island and Royal Manor of Portland.

The large number of visitors who have already visited the sailing academy for competitions and events have been supporting the local economy on the island by purchasing accommodation and services over the past few years and the academy will continue to be the host for many sailing events in the coming years.

To meet the needs of the media in 2012, BT has installed new fibre optic cables into Osprey Quay and is upgrading Portland telephone exchange and broadband speeds up to 40MB will be possible. As well as having the potential to benefit local residents, this will in particular make Portland an attractive location for business and investment, notably at Osprey Quay.

The Inspire Mark Revive Group, based at Underhill, has been actively working over the past two or three years to ensure that enhancements and improvements are made to the Underhill area as a result of Portland being a host location.

Following a community engagement event, a number of projects are now under way, including:

• Guerilla Gardening – volunteers are reclaiming waste spaces and creating new, pleasant places for the community to enjoy.

• Community Events – a wide range have been organised, including the Portland Show, Hallowe’en celebration, Lerret event and Christmas celebrations

• Revive Fortuneswell – plans are developing to improve the Fortuneswell area, working with building owners and volunteers to improve the streetscene.

Many local businesses and residents are supporting the Bring on the Games campaign displaying one of the 15,000 stickers that have been produced by the 2012 team, the Chamber of Commerce and the Dorset Echo.

During Games time itself, the Portland Beach Road will be dressed with official Olympic and Paralympic ‘Look and Feel’.