Giant Olympic rings have been unveiled at Heathrow Airport, the Host Airport of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The rings will provide a spectacular visual welcome to athletes, Games visitors and other passengers arriving during the London 2012 Games.

The aluminum Rings which measure 12 metres in width, the same as a double decker bus, have been installed in Terminal 5 international arrivals and will be seen by at least two million passengers travelling through Heathrow.

The rings were officially launched at a special event today with Olympian Mark Foster. 

Entertainment was provided by the Band of the Irish Guards.

Garrison Sergeant Major William Mott OBE, whose 30 foot portrait in Terminal 5, showing him dressed in the iconic Welsh Guards ceremonial red tunic and bearskin cap, and currently the first face that welcomes visitors to Heathrow, was also present at the ceremony.

The Olympic Rings are one of the world’s most recognisable logos.

The five rings – coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red – represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

Foster said: “I know first-hand the nervous excitement that every athlete feels when they arrive for the Olympic Games.

“The atmosphere is electric and often the airport is the first time we see fans and really feel the special buzz of the weeks to come.

“The Rings will create a huge sense of excitement and be a great part of the welcome for everyone travelling though the Terminal.”

Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.