The Olympic spirit stirs huge emotions in us.
Faster, Higher, Stronger is the motto and we all respect the dedication of the athletes.
We’ll marvel at Oscar Pistorius, the South African, who will compete against the best able bodied, despite running with carbon fibre prosthetic legs; and Jessica Ennis, demonstrating excellence in the seven disciplines of the heptathlon.
But how will it affect us?
We’ve all witnessed the huge interest in the Olympic Torch as it threads its way around the country. In Ealing we have the huge honour of hosting it overnight just before Games start next week. For many people it will be the only way that they witness the Olympics.
But the big effect will be the legacy that the Games will leave behind. Of course there will be the Olympic Park in Stratford, which will be transformed for use for the active sporting public. But to me the big legacy will be the human and personal.
Those young people inspired to take up a sport and live a more committed dedicated and conscientious life. And think of the 100,000 people volunteering their time. The Games Makers supporting the Games directly, as marshals or drivers or hosts; and the London Ambassadors who will be hosting and helping the visitors enjoy our wonderful capital city.
I’m a volunteer London Ambassador manager at Hyde Park, during the Olympics and Paralympics, where we expect 120,000 people a day, yes a day, into the park to the Live Site. I’ve already met some truly wonderful people, who are all giving their time for free. We are all learning new skills, which we will carry forward into therest of our lives. Now that’s a true legacy.
