(ATR) London Olympic organizers tell Around the Rings they are "committed to the ambition of the FriendShip project", a novel scheme to sail an ocean-going clipper around the world to promote the Games.
The idea, set out in London's original bid documents, described a ship crewed by "young people, artists, philosophers and students" that would set sail from Beijing after the 2008 Games on "a journey of discovery, carrying a cargo emblematic of the UK's cultural riches".
The ship would eventually make a "triumphant entrance up the river Thames", proclaiming "the renaissance of east London".
A London 2012 spokeswoman told ATR the scheme could still go ahead as part of the capital's four-year cultural Olympiad, refuting suggestions in the British press that the initiative was about to be shelved.
"It was a concept listed in our candidate file and we are very much committed to doing something," she said.
"We have a new head of culture, education and ceremonies, Bill Morris, who is now looking at all the elements of our extensive cultural programme and how it will work. It doesn't mean to say we are ditching the idea but the practicalities still need to be decided."
"The cultural Olympiad is a wide-ranging, extensive programme and we are currently scoping all our options and plans, including examining the way we can best and most effectively deliver our FriendShip concept."
The Guardian newspaper this week cast doubt on the initiative, quoting London mayor Ken Livingstone as saying that London 2012 officials "are investigating how best to meet the stated aims of promoting friendship and intercultural exchange between young people".
"This review includes considering whether a physical ship is the best way to meet these objectives," he said.
One suggested option is to launch a "virtual vessel" around the world, with its internet journey mirroring the course of the real ship and spreading the 2012 Olympics message.
The challenge to London 2012 leaders over the FriendShip project has come from environmental activists keen to ensure the organizing committee and the Olympic Delivery Authority fulfill the promises upon which the bid was won.
London 2012 organizers have denied accusations that the "green" elements of the bid are already being eroded in areas such as the renewable energy plans for the athletes' village and the aquatic centre.
They point to the Games sustainability development strategy as an indication of their strong commitment to producing the most environmentally-friendly Olympics ever.
An ODA spokesman told ATR the Games sustainability development strategy would be unveiled later this month, including plans for renewable energy schemes at the Olympic Park in east London and a host of other environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Reported from the U.K. by Mark Bisson
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