West Ham United players and local schoolchildren were heading for Downing Street on Thursday to mark the club's formal bid to take over the legacy of the Olympic Stadium.
The proposal with partners Newham Council is for a 60,000-seater football, athletics and multi-sport stadium which would benefit two million people a year. It would be a stadium solution that is commercially viable on a sustainable basis - east London's local world-class venue and a vibrant centre of sport, education and culture.
In 2000, Benni McCarthy achieved one of the highlights of his career - becoming an Olympian.
The South Africa striker represented his country with pride at the Summer Games in Sydney - playing and scoring in the group stage of the competition - and was left with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he still savours to this day.
"I have played in the Olympics and I have seen the affect it can have on people. It is absolutely breathtaking to participate in, and also just to be there as a fan.
"I have played professionally at the highest level of football, but for me the Olympics was on another scale," added the UEFA Champions League winner. "That is why I think the Games will be a life-changing thing for east London and West Ham.
"I hope the club do move there and get given the opportunity to move and be able to keep use of such magnificent architecture.
"It would boost the club's status even more, West Ham is one of the top clubs in the Premier League - history-wise but in terms of fanbase it is one of the best.
"Given the opportunity to move to the Olympic Stadium would further our fanbase even more with a bigger and better stadium. The atmosphere would be phenomenal as West Ham fans know how to have a good time and to support the team. They are brilliant.
"There wouldn't be a single worry in the world that we couldn't fill the stadium. It could be awesome to the club if we could move to the Olympic Stadium. It would give the club a different edge and it will change the perspective of the way West Ham is run. It could be a turning point for West Ham in the future."
A keen track and field fan, McCarthy said the players would take great pride from having fantastic facilities and knowing that they are in an arena where the finest athletes in the world have produced record-breaking displays.
Having also seen what the FIFA World Cup did to his home nation last summer, he is also well-placed to judge the impact on the surrounding areas.
"We would defend playing there with pride and with great honour. To know some of the best athletes have been here, visiting and participating in the Olympics, would be very special.
"It would be fantastic for east London, with the Olympic Village and all the development going on to bring the world to east London. It would be brilliant."