A year later, London 2012 proves its value

At first glance, Olympic champions Jessica Ennis and Usain Bolt may not appear to have much in common with musical superstars Justin Timberlake and Bruce Springsteen. But there is at least one thing they share: all four have thrilled visitors to London's Olympic Park - a connection that hints at the transformative power of the Olympic Games.

A year has passed since the 2012 London Games captivated a global audience and raised spirits throughout Britain, but the legacy of those 17 days continues to deliver lasting benefits. For Londoners, the July 27 anniversary of the Opening Ceremony is not just a time to relive exciting memories; it is an opportunity to celebrate the many improvements that the Games helped produce.

For these Games were not just about a few weeks of incredible sporting endeavor. The Olympic Games, wherever they take place in the world, are a focal point for long-term changes, not only in a sporting sense but also in terms of economic and social regeneration. It is a crucial factor that all future Olympic host cities - including the Candidate Cities looking to host the 2020 Olympic Games (Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid) - are encouraged to pay close attention to from the outset of the bid process.