Some special event call signs will be activated to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: 2O12L from London, England and 2O12W from Barry, Wales. The London 2012 Inspire program has granted the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) -- Great Britain’s IARU Member-Society -- use of the “Inspire mark” for these stations. Both stations will be on-the-air for the duration of the Games, July 27-August 12. Organizers hope to make at least 80,000 contacts during the seven weeks that 2O12L and 2O12W are on the air.

• The London station – 2O12L -- will be active on 160-2 meters on all modes. The station is located at the historic Eltham Palace in Southeast London, in the London borough of Greenwich, one of the six “host boroughs” for the Games.
• The Welsh station -- 2O12W -- will be active on 160 meters-23 cm on all modes, including SSTV and satellite, will be based on the seafront esplanade at Whitmore Beach, Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan. The site is located just a few miles south west of Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium, home to the first football match that will open the Games in Wales.

“Amateur Radio operators everywhere will be able to share in the Olympic experience by making contact with the station and exchanging greetings messages with visitors and Games participants who visit the station,” said Project Echo Publicity Officer John Warburton, G4IRN. “The team aims to make contact with as many of the Games participating countries as possible. Special QSL cards will be available to stations contacted. The project aims to leave a lasting legacy by encouraging visitors to learn more about radio communications and the social, career and recreational benefits that it brings. Of course, visiting hams will be made very welcome at the stations.”