Sporting Success

I haven't had a chance to read or analyse them yet but a quick glance tells me that a large proportion of them are rubbish. When I also see that twice as many are lodged in my junk box I wonder if we have not lost the plot where modern communications are concerned. I have enjoyed the last two weeks relatively free from internet and television. Being reliant on the radio and the daily newspaper for news of the outside world and considered comment helps to concentrate the mind.

I am not alone in taking a break at this time of year. Many take the opportunity to retire from the public eye to reflect at this time. It can result in a lot of 'silly season' articles being given plenty of air time and print space. There have however been several events which have deserved and received serious reportage, not least the Russia/Georgia conflict, the air crash in Madrid and the state of the economy.

However, in a bid to prolong my holiday mood just a little longer, - a comment on the good news. Yesterday saw the triumphant return of the Team GB athletes. Whether or not they should have been called Team UK I will leave for debate at another time but they must be congratulated on their successes. This Olympic success will be great encouragement to lesser mortals to improve their sporting ability and chances to succeed.

A debate as to whether funding for local sporting opportunities will suffer, due to the support for the 2012 London Olympics, has been launched. Several local communities have already this year had funding refused for projects and the question has of course been asked whether this is because money is being channelled to the London project. Liberal Democrats have nationally opposed Labour's raid on the Lottery funded sports bodies and have pledged to provide funding for community and schools sports activities and sports facilities.

Promoting sport and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle is an important part of public health. We must see the current Olympic athletes' success as a fine example and use it to find support for sport for all of all abilities at all levels.