THE London 2012 Olympics gave Hampshire a boost of almost £50m and crime dropped by 15 per cent, according to a report.
Members of Hampshire County Council’s culture, communities and rural affairs select committee heard how the Games benefited the county.
Figures from organisers LOCOG and the Olympic Delivery Authority show that 183 Olympic business contracts with Hampshire firms have generated around £36m.
Meanwhile with the Olympic Torch having spent more time in Hampshire than any other county, and supported by around 450,000 residents lining Hampshire’s streets, the torch relays boosted Hampshire’s local economy by around £10m.
Councillor Keith Chapman, the council’s executive member for culture and recreation, said: ‘The Olympics may be behind us, but they have left a fantastic legacy not only in Hampshire, but throughout the country as a whole.
‘The achievements of Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired the nation, as well as helping to change public perceptions around disability, and wider health and wellbeing issues.
‘The benefits from the Games certainly are not over, and as 2012 comes to a close, we are already looking ahead to 2013 and beyond, and the real challenge of keeping up this positive momentum, and continuing to inspire residents of all ages through sport and sporting activity.’
Around 10 per cent of the total Team GB medal haul in both the Olympics and Paralympic Games came from the 44 athletes with links to Hampshire.
This included being raised in the county or training in Hampshire.
In addition to the financial boost to the county, crime levels in Hampshire also dropped by 15 per cent during the Games.
A 10 per cent drop in crime was seen during the Paralympic Games.
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