A NEW sculpture will be unveiled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sailing events for the Games were held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy with Sir Ben Ainslie and Helena Lucas bagging gold for Team GB.

To mark ten years since the area took centre stage for the events, a commemorative sculpture is to be revealed.

Brendon Murless, a contemporary figurative sculptor, was commissioned by Weymouth Town Council and Dorchester-based Arts Development Company to create the design.

The unique design features a boat styled on the one used by Sir Ben in which he won gold for Team GB at the Games. Sir Ben is one of the most successful sailors in Olympic history, winning medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 to London 2012.

The sculpture features numbers and symbols inspired by the number of participants in the Games – 380, countries competing – 63, and the five medals won by Team GB in the sailing events. Portland stone has also been used to create six waves, representing six continents.

Councillor Ann Weaving, Mayor of Weymouth, will host the unveiling at midday on Friday, August 5, at the Nothe Gardens.

Ambassadors and torch bearers from London 2012, who are still living in and around Weymouth, are encouraged to attend the event.

There will be a number of community activities on the day with Weymouth Town Council hosting a ‘mini Olympics’ for children as well as face painting, live music and a mini nature trail. The free activities will run between 11am and 3pm.

Mr Murless said: “I have designed my sculpture to celebrate the 2012 Olympics sailing events in Weymouth and Portland to tell a positive story about the participants and how they came from all over the world to compete here.

“When people look at the sculpture from Nothe Gardens it will silhouette against the sea where the sailing events took place.”

Cllr Weaving said: “We wanted to commemorate ten years since the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events took place in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour.

“Nothe Gardens has been chosen as the location for the artwork because it’s a reminder of the spot where spectators gathered in their droves to cheer on the competitors during the sailing events. It also provides the perfect backdrop for taking and sharing photos of Dorset’s beautiful coastline.”