As some members of the Liberal Democrat Voice editorial team prepare to go a bit daft over the Olympics, watch sports most of us have never heard of and cheer on our favourite athletes, we were pleased to see that Nick Clegg went to welcome Team GB to their new quarters in the Olympic Village.
He told them that the people of Britain wouldn’t just be watching them, they’d be right there with them, backing them all the way:
The nation is gripped by Olympic fever in a way it never, ever has been. Because, when you host the Games, you don’t just support your team in the normal way. Something deeper happens. Supporters, volunteers, the official Team GB – these Games belong to everyone. We are all hosting the world. Our experiences are all tied together. And, when everything is said and done, those experiences will make up a history we all share. In a way, the Team goes even wider than this room – it extends to the people out there.
So if I leave you with one thought tonight, as you and your teams embark on the final leg of this journey, let it be this: the people of Britain won’t just be watching you – they’ll be right there with you. They’ll be following you into battle: sharing in your dreams; standing alongside you in any disappointments; and when you triumph, as you will, revelling in your joy.
I hope you can draw from that. There is strength in numbers – something every team player knows. In your most challenging moments, draw strength from the people out there. You embody a nation’s hopes; you have captured its imagination; and the people of Britain will be there by your side, supporting you, every step of the way.
All that is left to do is to wish you luck – the very best of Great British luck.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
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3 Comments
I like the Olympics, but am increasingly frustrated by politicians of all persuasions burying their heads in the sand over outrageous costs, advertising restrictions and the indisputable evidence that it will inevitably cost more than it raises.
Hmm, from where I’m sitting, the Olympics don’t feel like they belong to me, the British people, or even the athletes competing in them. The games themselves seem to come second to all the corporate nonsense. The Olympics currently seem to belong to the advertisers, big business and “global partners” first and everyone else, including the athletes, far far behind.
The Olympic Committe organisers were apologising last night after a group of athletes were announced using the wrong flag. The insulted athletes returned to their changing room, and the event eventually started an hour later than planned. Coe said later “It was fortunate that we were able to locate an extra large Saltire so quickly. We apologised repeatedly for inadvertently using the Union Jack”.