We win!
I have just got back from popping down to Trafalgar Square for the announcement. What fantastic news. I can’t stop smiling and feel quite emotional at the thought of having the Olympic Games here on our own turf. Bethya will be seven years old in 2012 and I love the thought that she will be able to remember the events, even if she will still be fairly young.
I’ve been looking at the BBC website and, as has been the case throughout the bid campaign, there are a vast majority who can’t wait while a small minority moan about the cost or the inconvenience or the fact that the rest of Britain never sees any benefit.
Are those people really so concerned about their council tax bills that they cannot see what a wonderful opportunity this is for us? The regeneration of a rundown part of London, massive improvements to the whole city, an opportunity for our kids to see a once in a lifetime event in their homeland, a legacy of structures for the entire nation (many will be reconstructed elsewhere after the Games) and so much more. I’d gladly pay more income tax, council tax, VAT and whatever else is required to see the Games here. Hell, I am trying to work out even now how I can volunteer my services right now to sweep up rubbish or do anything to help the hosting of the Games.