Some of Teeside's sporting legends have joined the push to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England.

These legends, which include Olympians and Paralympians from the region, have joined forces with over 40 fellow sports stars by signing a joint statement to back the push to host the games in 2040.

On the bid to bring both of the games to the North, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got the ambition, the track record, and the pride to play a major part in bringing a future Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North.”

“Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool have shown time and again how we can deliver on the big stage—and it makes total sense for us and the wider North to have our voices heard and host the world.”

“It’s great to have the backing of Teesside sporting legends for this cause—and I’ll be continuing to push with other mayors to get the Games here.”

The joint statement has ‘attracted support from some of Britain’s most recognisable and successful Olympians and Paralympians, from Olympic cycling champions Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny to Britain’s most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.

Signatories from this region include:  Olympic sprint relay medalist 'Teesside Tornado.' Richard Kilty, Loftus Table Tennis Olympian Paul Drinkhall, Para-Rugby Gold Medalist Jack Smith MBE, para-swimming gold medalists Faye Rogers and Susie Rodgers MBE, Olympic swimmer Aimee Willmott, Olympic athlete Allison Curbishley, as well as Olympic cycling medalist Chris Newton

On supporting the bid, three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Paul Drinkhall said: "I was part of London 2012, and seeing the effect of having that home support and what it did for the whole country was amazing. I saw how great that was for the country, and I think hosting again, but especially in the North, could benefit the country even more than London did back in 2012.

"Because we are such a sporting region, sport brings people together as a community, especially for those who may not always have significant events to look forward to. The benefits would be substantial due to the investment and new facilities coming to the area, which would be advantageous not only for this generation but also for future generations." 

The latest show of support from athletes across the North of England represents the most significant athlete backing yet for the Great North Games vision and shows growing momentum behind the proposal. '

Earlier this year, mayors and leaders from across the North came together to call upon the government ‘to explore the potential for a future Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted across the North of England.'

The government, last week, confirmed that ‘it would begin an initial strategic assessment into the feasibility of future games in the north.'

On the possibility of having the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North, Stockton Para Swimming World Champion and Gold Medalist Faye Rogers said: "To have an Olympics in the North would be amazing! You can see how London 2012 inspired a sporting generation, and I have no doubt a Great North Olympics would do just the same.”

"It would have a huge impact on the local community as well and inspire so many kids and families. I am fully supporting the bid to bring the Olympics to the North.”

The joint statement reads:

As Olympians, Paralympians, athletes, and competitors who have had the honor of representing Great Britain and competing on the highest stage, we write to express our strong and united support for the North of England to host a future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The legacy of the London 2012 Summer Olympics showed what is possible when the country comes together behind a shared ambition. Now is the moment to build on that legacy.

Many of us have seen firsthand that the North of England has the ability to host box-office games: world-class venues, experienced event hosts, and a passion for sport like no other place. The International Olympic Committee’s multi-city model makes distributed games more viable than ever.

Few moments unite the country like the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have felt that unity—in packed stadiums, in town squares, in schools, and in living rooms across the country.

A 'Great North’ game would be a national game. It would bring the country together in common purpose. It would showcase the very best of Great Britain.

We believe that hosting games in the North of England in 2040 would be a moment of renewal and confidence for the entire United Kingdom.

We are proud to add our voices to this vision and to support a Northern Games that would inspire generations to come.