IN just six months time, the world’s largest sporting event is coming to Britain with the Olympic and Paralympic Games bringing a wonderful celebration of sport to our shores.

Dorset will be making headline news with sailing events being staged at Weymouth and Portland, offering residents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the 2012 Games on their doorstep.

I am delighted that the Daily Echo is today launching a special double-page feature related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games to show how the local community is getting involved and how to get the best from the experience.

It should provide a fascinating insight into how local athletes in Dorset and the New Forest are preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at a home Games, as well as focusing on how local people in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the rest of Dorset are benefiting from this fantastic showcase of sporting talent.

I know how important a sport sailing is in the area and hopefully it will inspire young and old alike to take to the water to take part in this or any of the other different Olympic sports. With more than 26 different Olympic sports showcased, there is something for everyone to relish.

Many Dorset residents have an offer to be Games Maker volunteer either at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing venue or at another of our sporting venues. Thank you for lending us your time and we look forward to staging a magnificent Games with your help. Likewise congratulations to all those conditional offers of a Torchbearer place, we are looking forward to confirming those offers shortly.

All the local partners we are working with are doing everything possible to ensure Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area will enjoy a boost in tourism as the Sailing events and the Olympic Torch Relay showcase the beauty of county to the rest of the UK and people overseas.

The Games will offer opportunities to businesses in places like Bournemouth and Poole, as well as a legacy including the new relief road to Weymouth.

Dorset should be proud of its achievements so far in preparing for the Olympic Games.

Thank you to the Daily Echo for offering readers a regular 2012 Games update, good luck to all the local sportsmen and women and my team and I look forward to delivering great events with your help this summer.

LORD COE