By Tom Degun at St Pancras International in London

March 3 - London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe and Mayor of London Boris Johnson gave a huge surprise to commuters travelling through St Pancras International Train Station here tonight as the pair unveiled the first set of giant Olympic Rings measuring 20 metres wide, nine metres high and weighing approximately 2,300 kilograms.


The display marks the first step in using the Olympic symbols on iconic landmarks to transform the capital into the host city for the London 2012 Games and Coe revealed it was a privilege to unveil the giant aluminium Olympic Rings which are be suspended from the roof of the Barlow Train Shed at St Pancras International.

"The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world," said Coe.

"To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport.

"To Londoners and visitors alike, they will excite and inspire them about being in a Host City and demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world in 2012.

Coe and Johnson were joined at the special unveiling ceremony by London 2012 Olympic mascot Wenlock and children from Christ Church Primary School in the London Borough of Camden.

The event also saw an exclusive acoustic set by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones from McFly, an action-packed Parkour display from ‘Jump London’ and a recital by a children’s choir from Maria Fidelis Convent school.

It took a team of 25 people based in Hertfordshire over four weeks to construct the giant Olympic Rings.

They were transported to St Pancras International by lorry in 39 separate parts where they were secretly assembled and installed over seven nights.

"London is going to be at the centre of the world’s attention throughout 2012 and I want the whole city to harness every opportunity offered by the Games," said Johnson.



"Unveiling the first set of Olympic Rings at St Pancras International provides a fantastic glimpse into how the capital is gearing up for this unique event.

"London is embracing its role of host city and I am determined to turn this enthusiasm into a lasting legacy for the city for generations to come.

"The rings will be a powerful symbol for millions of visitors using the iconic station that the capital is poised and ready to welcome the world's greatest sporting stars and put on the best show on earth.

The Olympic Rings are one of the world’s most recognisable logos and the five rings - coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red to represent the five continents - are interlaced to show the meeting of the world’s athletes during the Olympic Games.

"This is a special moment for London as it begins its transformation into an Olympic host city," said the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

"The iconic Olympic Rings at St Pancras are a reminder to Londoners and visitors alike that the greatest sporting event in the world is now just round the corner."

The giant Olympic Rings unveiling also received the seal of approval from International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission Chairman Denis Oswald.



"The success of an Olympic Games is first and foremost decided by what happens on the field of play but truly great Games have also ensured that their city fully embraces the atmosphere of the Olympics," he said.

"Having these spectacular Rings at one of the key entry points to the Games will give locals and visitors from across the world a truly Olympic welcome to their 2012 experience."

St Pancras International, the location for the first flagship London 2012 Shop, is set to be one of the key access points to the Olympic Park during the Games.

The Javelin Service from St Pancras International will take around 25,000 visitors per hour to and from the Olympic Park in a seven minute journey along the High Speed 1 track to Stratford International.

The programme of placing Olympic Rings and the Paralympic Agitos across London is currently being developed in partnership by London 2012 and the Mayor of London.

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