Could Cornwall host Olympic surfing? Ben Maguire launches petition

Picture the world’s best surfers paddling out at a Cornish break, with a medal on the line. North Cornwall’s MP thinks it should be part of the conversation, and he’s started a political push to make sure it is.

Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire is calling for Cornwall to be included in any future UK Summer Olympics bid. His call follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of £7 million to explore a possible Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England.

A letter to Government in May

Ben wrote to the Government in May, setting out Cornwall’s Olympic history and the case for using its coastline and waters for events such as surfing and sailing.

Culture Minister Stephanie Peacock replied that UK Sport has been commissioned to carry out an initial assessment of a Games in the North in the 2040s. She stressed there is no commitment to a bid at this stage.

Her letter made no commitment to including Cornwall. That is why Ben has now launched a petition calling for Cornwall to be given “fair consideration”.

The Weymouth comparison

Ben said Cornwall has some of the best beaches and seas in the world, with few rivals for sports such as surfing and sailing. He believes Cornwall risks being left out if the focus of any bid stays on the North.

“When Weymouth hosted the sailing in 2012, its Olympic sailing academy was estimated to be worth around £100 million to the local economy, so just imagine how Cornwall could benefit,” he said.

How to sign the petition

The petition calling for Cornwall to be included in any future UK Olympic bid is on the North Cornwall Liberal Democrats campaign page.

“I’ve launched a petition to make sure Cornwall is given fair consideration in any bid, and I’d urge everyone who agrees to add their name,” Ben said.