Some of the countries most elite sports superstars have joined Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in a campaign to tell the world 'LondonIsOpen'.
A film launched on Friday (August 12) stars homegrown athletes such as Hounslow's golden boy Mo Farah , football legend Rio Ferdinand and the Saracens rugby team, to name a few.
The footage celebrates sports in the capital and aims to spread the message that following Brexit London remains united and open to all.
Mr Khan said:“London is home to some of the most celebrated and accomplished sports men and women on the planet.
"As well as staging some of the world’s greatest cultural and artistic showcases, we are renowned for hosting top-calibre sporting events and are looking forward to holding the 2017 World Athletics and ParaAthletics Championships next year.
“That is why it is so important that we send the message, loud and clear, that London is open to athletes, major sports clubs, event organisers, sporting bodies and anyone who wants to contribute to the success of our city.
“It is great to see individuals, clubs, businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes getting behind the #LondonIsOpen campaign so passionately. It truly reflects our city’s open and tolerant spirit.”
A number of Premier League Football clubs have thrown their support behind the campaign including Chelsea FC , Fulham FC and QPR , as well as a host of amateur sports clubs in boxing, netball and cricket.
The footage promotes the range of sports available in the capital from rowing and tennis to ballet and pole dancing.
Mr Farah, the UK's greatest ever distance runner and former Feltham student, added: “London is open to an amazing world of sport for everyone, so get inspired and get involved!”
The idea for the #LondonIsOpen campaign is built around the capital opening its doors to welcome people in.
The Mayor is urging all Londoners, organisations and businesses to show their support to the campaign through posting messages on social media.
Sarah Brookes, Fulham Football Club’s communications and marketing director, said: “Fulham Football Club is proud to support the #LondonIsOpen campaign.
"Fulham has a fantastic history and tradition and, established in 1879, can boast being London’s oldest professional football club.
"The club’s owner Shahid Khan understands how important London is to world sport, which is why his Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team plays at Wembley each year.”
Wembley Stadium and The FA have also backed the campaign, with the Wembley Arch lighting up in support of #LondonIsOpen.
Harlequins and England rugby player Chris Robshaw, said: “The opportunities to get involved in sport in London are endless, so whatever your sporting passion, be it rugby, swimming, netball or something much lesser known, London is open to every kind of sport imaginable.”
