2012 Olympics

NOW THAT we have generously applauded and thanked all the members of Team GB for their superb efforts in Beijing, in view of this country's parlous economic situation that, we are told by the Bank of England's Deputy Chief, will prevail for years rather than months before any substantial upturn, should we not apply our minds now to the financing of London 2012?

In no way can we hope to, expect, or even plan for matching, let alone exceeding China's monetary expenditure on what are, after all games, competed for by amateurs interested only in the challenge of performing better than their neighbour!

Yes, of course, we must be welcoming to the thousands of overseas visitors and we must have in place by 2012 a public transport network that will allow access to every location of competitive activity for competitors and spectators alike, but not, I think, to wastage on fireworks and razzamatazz.

We should also question the need for excessive funding of Team GB's supporting administration and ensure that, as far as possible, sponsorship derives from private sources, not the public purse whilst so many of our population are surviving on, or near the 'breadline'.

I'm sure we have the individual skills and temperament to succeed in every field of competitive effort but I am less certain of our present Government's ability to differentiate between sport and merely outdoing the Chinese in showmanship.

 *Source; Wes Sussex County Times 12th September 2008