olympics

[Capsid]

I hear a lot of parents and kids moaning that they have no where to go and socialise after school and they end up hanging around on street corners causing a nuisance. I think joining a sports club would go some way to addressing this. Also it teaches the kids discipline and social values and gives them a sense of purpose and goal oriented objectives the pinnacle of which is being an Olympic athlete. The problem is one of money and not everyone can afford to engage in sport in this way. Most of our Olympians are there because the parents have funded their early training.

ETA: my point is that the Olympics is good in that it gives something for kids to aspire to. But the opportunities for them are not necessarily available to many people. More than half the athletes come from independent schools.

Sorry, it's a third of GB Olympians.

Third of British 2012 Olympic athletes privately educated - Telegraph

[VirginVegGrower]

No interest but watch the last two remaining episodes of TwentyTwelve for a comedy take on the farce. It's so funny.

[quark1]

A big circus which will cost anyone going with a family an arm and leg to properly enjoy the day as not even a picnic basket for a family will be allowed - you'll 'enjoy' as an alternative a burger and cola for around £10+ per head.

A selection procedure which has seen a known drug-cheat with a lifetime ban given a seat on the bus and where a world number one in his martial art discipline is left behind. Do we really want to win any medals?

The above sends a message loud and clear to kids - its OK to cheat - and why bother to be the best - nothing good will come of it - sit back, relax and enjoy the sport of watching one's big behind spreading.

And finally - and possibly most contentiously - an excuse for the militarisation of London - in and around the games areas.

I hope whoever is going will enjoy themselves - at a cost - but the better view for those who do want to watch will be from a tv close to home.

Slightly more political - although not intended - just a few thoughts of cynicism surrounding this gravy train. Would love to see it returned to Greece as a permanent home with participating nations contributing to the upkeep of the venues - heaven knows Greece could really do with a bit of help these days.

Not especially interested but probably will be drawn to some of the major finals.

[bearded bloke]

Would love to see it returned to Greece as a permanent home with participating nations contributing to the upkeep of the venues - heaven knows Greece could really do with a bit of help these days.

Excellent comment quark1 for Minister of Sport

[Nicos]

I'm not really interested either, but do appreciate all the effort the competitors will have put into getting ready for their event(s).
The one thing which may tempt me to watch is the ladies gymnastics- the things they can do with their bodies!

I too have no idea when the opening ceremony is either!

te he- I recall Billy Connolly suggesting team GB -as it's now called- should walk/parade to the music of the Archers as it's much quicker and energetic than the National Anthem!!!!

I bet there will be a fair few new and interesting bugs/illnesses being introduced to the London area from abroad over the next few weeks!...hold yr breath Jeanie!!!!

[MyLifeWithAndrew]

None here.
The wonderful songs of the birds will be drowned out by all of the noise a few miles here (water games).
Have already endured watching TWELVE (yes, I counted them) helicopters fly in formation and can only assume it is practice for some event.
Literally freaked me out.

[Mikey]

I saw on the news the other day an aerial shot of the main stadium with what looked liked the central stretch of the thames (as seen on eastenders!!), in the centre of it. I wonder if this has something to do with the opening ceremony?

[Farmer_Gyles]

I don't want to start a heated discussion,but...
am I the only person who is fed up with hearing about the olympics? I have no interest in them whatsoever.

So am I in the minority or is anybody else feeling the same?

I'm just hoping the weather improves so that I can spend all my time outside, I know I can switch it off (tv and radio) but I do like to listen to the radio at work(I work on my own) and I do like to watch a bit of TV

i'm right with you .... shall we set up an olympic free zone??

[Farmer_Gyles]

While I think there is a serious debate to be had about the appropriateness of certain sponsors for such events, the fact that the use of sponsors reduce the real cost to us the tax payer, that has to be on the whole a good thing.

that's good .... can i get a refund on the extra council tax i paid towards the games?

[mrswadders]

that's good .... can i get a refund on the extra council tax i paid towards the games?

yes please.........thread where olympics are banned and we can pretend they're not happening!!

[mrswadders]

i'm right with you .... shall we set up an olympic free zone??

see previous reply - quoted wrong one!

[Florence Fennel]

As you all know very well by now, I don't like sport and I'll be hoping for some fine weather during the day and some good programmes on telly as I am on annual leave for 2 weeks in a fortnight's time. If these things don't happen, you'll all be sick of me.

[bearded bloke]

If these things don't happen, you'll all be sick of me.

Nah,not us lot You could amuse Mr.Flo with you own mini olimpiks,throwing the remote,long jump (onto the settee from the door),pole vault (over the super big go away telly)

[Mikey]

that's good .... can i get a refund on the extra council tax i paid towards the games?

I doubt it, the bankers got that, you could try charging them interest on the loan?

[otorongo]

Physical activity can be healthy as long as it's not competitive.

People claim they like sports -- diving, tennis, whatever -- when in fact many have never done any of it; what they really mean by sports is watching TV broadcasts of other people doing it. That's unsubstantiated claims if you ask me. If you don't play football, how can you know you like football?

I don't have a TV and haven't had one in 14 years.

I'm one leg in your club... Yes I am disinterested in the Olympics, but no, I'm not fed up with hearing about it - because I don't hear about it.