Fight for Newport's share of the 2012 Olympics action - that was the message to council and business leaders yesterday.

Arthur Emyr, director Wales of the 2012 London Olympics, visited Newport to talk about getting the best out of the capital's winning bid.

Newport stands to benefit in a number of ways. Facilities like the velodrome - already used by international cycling teams for training - and the new pool could attract competing teams for pre-games camps.

Hotels, leisure facilities and local businesses would then be boosted by the visitors. Businesses are being encouraged to put bids in for some of the contracted work needed to make the Games happen - everything from construction work on the Sports Village to making staff uniforms and catering for the event.

Speaking to the council's overview and scrutiny forum for culture and recreation, Mr Emyr, a former Welsh rugby international, said: "The benefits of the Olympics and Paralympics won't come to you on a plate. My message is be proactive and quick to take advantage of the opportunities the Games bring."

Just one local company winning a contracted job could boost Newport's economic benefits from the Games by hundreds of millions of pounds.

He also predicted Newport will be in a good position to maximise the benefits. He said: "With the Ryder Cup in 2010, these will be things you are probably thinking of already."

The council is also being encouraged to use the Games as a means of progressing larger capital projects.

Long-term, the 2012 Olympics should also help raise Wales' profile and encourage more participation in grassroots sport.