In a bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, mayors from Northern England have initiated a collaborative effort named 'The Great North' to advocate for the Games to be held in their region. This movement is supported by key political figures, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Hull and East Yorkshire mayor Luke Campbell, both of whom are pushing for a shift of the Olympic spotlight from the south of England. They believe that holding the Olympics in the North would help promote regional development and sports engagement among local communities.

The mayors, alongside notable figures like Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run and a former Olympic athlete, have sent an official letter to Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Their letter expresses that hosting the Olympics in Northern England would provide an opportunity to showcase the region's potential as a vibrant host and to invest in local infrastructure. Their collective efforts signify a strong push for inclusivity in national sporting events, aiming to inspire future generations in the North.

This call for a Northern Olympics comes after the successful hosting of the London 2012 Games, which has been recognized for its positive impact on the UK. By drawing upon the legacy of London 2012, the mayors argue that a northern-based Olympics could similarly elevate local communities and enhance the profile of the region globally. The push for the Great North Games exemplifies a larger movement to redistribute major events throughout the UK, aiming to ensure that every area, particularly the underserved North, can reap the benefits of such high-profile occasions.