Boris Johnson backs London as venue choice for 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards

The latest confirmation of sports celebrities attending the Laureus World Sports Awards include Paul Collingwood, Tim Henman, Denise Lewis and Sir Matthew Pinsent, the 4time gold medallist.

They will be joining a host of Laureus Academy Members, Ambassadors, Nominees and sporting greats at the event, including Boris Becker, Sir Bobby Charlton, Nadia Comaneci, Sean Fitzpatrick, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Dame Kelly Holmes, Edwin Moses, Martina Navratilova, Sir Steve Redgrave, Mark Spitz and Daley Thompson.

The Laureus Sports Awards, which recognise sporting achievement, are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners, as voted by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury made up of 47 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time, will be unveiled at a globally televised Awards Ceremony staged at Central Hall Westminster.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London said in a statement to the Laureus Foundation: "I am excited that the Laureus World Sports Awards and Laureus Sports for Good Foundation have decided to bring the Awards to London for 2012. Laureus and I share a commitment to making sports a positive part of everyone’s life regardless of age and ability. Celebrating the power of sports here in London with the world’s sporting superstars will provide the perfect start to our Olympic year and it marks the beginning of a real and long-lasting grassroots sports legacy for London and beyond."

Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster said: "This event will show how flexible Central Hall Westminster really is. The venue was built 100 years ago as a meeting and event centre - the high ceilings, clear sightlines and renaissance style add glamour to all occasions."

Among the winners who have received Awards at previous Ceremonies have been Jenson Button, Roger Federer, Sir Alex Ferguson, Lewis Hamilton, Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Kelly Slater, Serena Williams and many others.

Central Hall Westminster has been chosen to host this respected event for the venue’s central London location and remarkable event space including the 2,000 seat capacity Great Hall and over 25 breakout and meeting rooms.

Contact our team