During this past week it was announced that Channel 4 had bought the rights for all horse-racing in the UK, including the Grand National and The Derby which previously have been mainstays of the BBC’s coverage. The BBC claimed that the corporation had put the highest sum it could realistically offer in order to maintain their ability to possess the rights, but evidently this was not enough. What is probably more concerning to the general public though is that this is not a first-time event in recent memory. The FA Cup, England internationals, World Athletics Championships and F1 have all been part of the BBC package and subsequently landed on other channels. As I believe it is arguably fair to say that Britain is a keen sporting nation, one that takes a strong interest in the world of sport, I think questions will soon be getting directed to the corporation as to why they are not covering a greater level of sport. This is based on the fact that each household has to pay for their TV licence which entitles them to receive a broad and varied coverage of television.
Now the BBC may argue that they still do hold some key sporting events, but the Olympics only come about every four years and major international football tournaments are bi-annual. The only other major sporting events they cover live are some of the golf majors along with rugby union and league. Now if you don’t have an interest in rugby or golf, you therefore become pretty short-changed! Even when it comes to rugby, the BBC do not hold the rights to the World Cup, which again, like most sports, is the pinnacle event for any of the athletes involved. Despite still holding the rights for the two biggest mega-events in the sporting calendar, I would argue this is because of the British law that states these must be accessible on terrestrial television. The moment the pressure amounts to the point where this law is relaxed, will be the time when I anticipate the BBC to hold practically hold no live sporting events in their repertoire. With the digital switchover now complete nationwide, this opportunity may arise much sooner solely based on the fact the term terrestrial is now defunct.
Going back to the Beeb’s failure to retain live sport, I think what concerns many is that it is not just the big power-brokers that is Sky who are obtaining all of these rights. Both ITV and Channel 4 have snatched some of the events from the BBC. Now, admittedly they probably can generate more revenue through their advertising opportunities, however, they can only charge businesses large sums if they have big events to broadcast. It is a risky chicken and egg situation, but currently the other original terrestrial channels are winning in that respect. Yet the commercial breaks are the biggest and most infuriating aspect for those who are sat down watching it unfold, despite obviously being the reason why the sport is on in the first place. Thankfully, we have yet to reach the stage of adverts during game time for sports such as football, but you do worry, with the number of commercial breaks that are taken in the lead up to games nowadays, how much longer this will last. What is for sure though, is that there will be a major outcry when it does. This is why the BBC is always a favoured option by the masses; uninterrupted coverage is the best way of getting a feel of the event as well as obtaining more knowledge and information from the various outlets that you hear from. However, if the corporation cannot even compete with the likes of ITV and Channel 4, how are they going to get anywhere near Sky when they start pressurising to have hold of the Olympics and World Cup?
I think my major concern surrounding this topic is the accessibility the general public have to watch live sporting events. You may argue that people can just go to the games themselves, but unfortunately location, time, money, demand exceeding supply, amongst other things can prevent that from occurring. Live television is therefore the next best alternative, and therefore a necessity for all the major sporting events. Already the switchover to digital has impacted on some people, I would suggest the elderly who are accustomed to not needing a gazillion pointless channels. So how much longer will it be, until we are all forced to pay an annual subscription to receive Sky as all the channels are swallowed up into the BSkyB chain? Or alternatively, the option is still there as to whether you buy into Sky or not, but you will be deprived of the major sporting events if you do so. It is a scary thought and indicative of the power and money that money is having on influencing our sporting experience of the elite level. However, in my opinion, the BBC needs to relook at their strategy and budgetary constraints regarding live sporting events as currently they are disappointing many licence payers. Let us hope that the disgruntled nature that is beginning to increase reaches the big-wigs and that changes are afoot. Public opinion would soon return once the National, Cup Final and England internationals return to the Beeb. Just a hint chaps...
Monday 26 March 2012
Sunday 18 March 2012
#PrayforMuamba
Yesterday evening I was weighing up the decision on whether to talk about Tendulkar’s hundredth century or Wales Grand Slam victory. Then suddenly twitter went mad, and news coverage of an incident in the FA Cup quarter-final between Tottenham and Bolton was headline news. The coverage regarding Fabrice Muamba and the tragic events that unfolded has been wholly justified in my opinion. We occasionally hear of instances similar to this, Marc Vivien-Foé in 2003 being a prime example, but until it happens in our own back yard, as it were, we don’t really seem to feel affected and draw our support in collectively.
Anyone who saw the footage on ESPN either live or subsequently, I am imagined felt the same as me: moved, shocked and scared. It was totally unexpected. The ball was out for a goal kick, there was no-one near Muamba and suddenly he is face down on the floor, with a physio rushing on trying to turn him over with little support from the player himself. It was clearly a disturbing and frightening moment that demonstrated the severity of the issue. It has subsequently emerged that Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest. He is still in a critical condition, after six paramedics ran onto the field to help resuscitate the Congo-born midfielder. They tried for six minutes on the pitch and allegedly for another two hours on route to, and inside the hospital, just to get his heart beating of its own accord once again. For those who were actually at the match, it must have been a harrowing experience. People looked visibly shaken up, including some of the players, and despite clearly understanding the severity of the situation and supporting the player through chanting of his name, the supporters must have been out of the picture a bit more than those watching on television, where touchline reporters could try and provide information to the masses.
The fact that Muamba is still alive, albeit in intensive care and in a critical condition, demonstrates the amazing work the paramedics did. There are these kinds of people at every sporting occasion, on hand to provide medical aid if it is required. The majority of these are the St John’s Ambulance Service, which you must remember, is a charitable, voluntary organisation. If you want to do something good with your life, then this has to be one of the most fulfilling roles you can undertake. The work they do, with the case of Saturday night being the largest on the scale, is incredible and not commended enough in my opinion. It is certainly more praiseworthy than some of the sick and twisted individuals that have chosen to make light of the subject. This is where the power of social media is detrimental. People post ‘jokes’ and spread false information to generate hype. This is somebody’s life. How would you feel if the incident concerned someone you knew and cared for? You definitely would not be making jokes about it and would express fury at those that did I imagine. So take a look at yourself and note that a young man is bravely battling for his life after collapsing during a job that he loves.
It demonstrates as well, that not all of the football family have pulled together, though it has been amazing to see how many have. Ever since the incident, members from all parts of the football community have been displaying their support. Many fans, and not just those of Bolton, flocked to the Reebok Stadium, hoping to discover news of the midfielder, whilst the messages were flooding in all forms of the media, particularly twitter where fellow professionals were voicing their concerns and support. With Eric Abidal set to go under the knife for a liver transplant this week, it really demonstrates the extreme measures footballers put their bodies through to try and maintain their position within the game. Even at the match itself, there was no animosity from anyone when the match was abandoned, when fans in particular, could have vented some frustration. The whole incident was dealt with excellently I thought, and now we just hope Muamba pulls through. What does concern me though, is that it has required a traumatic incident like this to bring the football family together. This season there have been too many incidents that have fragmented different sectors of the footballing community. Too many arguments, too many unsportsmanlike acts, and they need to be stopped, or managed and governed much better than they have been. We play the game for our love and passion for it, Fabrice Muamba was a perfect example of that, and so if it ever needed to be more underlined that we need to remember our reasons for being involved in the game, then surely this is it.
Fabrice Muamba was no ordinary footballer. To compare him to Wayne Rooney for example is ridiculous. Here was a man established within the Premier League as an extraordinarily fit, box-to-box midfielder, committed to the cause and never letting his team-mates down in terms of effort. This dedication made him a fans favourite, alongside giving supporters the time they wished for with their hero. He was an intelligent man as well, still gaining an education alongside his football career, probably planning his future once his career concludes (which was expected another ten years at least). He and his family’s lives have now been lurched into perennial worry and they will never be the same again. If he does pull through, you would have to say that the medical advice is likely to culminate his career now. This would be a real shame for a man who had even established himself within, and captained, the England U’21 side. However, it is at times like these when health comes before anything else, and Muamba is smart enough to listen to advice and make the right call. However, right now, all we can do is put aside our footballing differences and remain united. Meanwhile, I, like I imagine all of you, wish the very best to Fabrice and pray for his family. I truly do hope that he makes a full recovery.
Anyone who saw the footage on ESPN either live or subsequently, I am imagined felt the same as me: moved, shocked and scared. It was totally unexpected. The ball was out for a goal kick, there was no-one near Muamba and suddenly he is face down on the floor, with a physio rushing on trying to turn him over with little support from the player himself. It was clearly a disturbing and frightening moment that demonstrated the severity of the issue. It has subsequently emerged that Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest. He is still in a critical condition, after six paramedics ran onto the field to help resuscitate the Congo-born midfielder. They tried for six minutes on the pitch and allegedly for another two hours on route to, and inside the hospital, just to get his heart beating of its own accord once again. For those who were actually at the match, it must have been a harrowing experience. People looked visibly shaken up, including some of the players, and despite clearly understanding the severity of the situation and supporting the player through chanting of his name, the supporters must have been out of the picture a bit more than those watching on television, where touchline reporters could try and provide information to the masses.
The fact that Muamba is still alive, albeit in intensive care and in a critical condition, demonstrates the amazing work the paramedics did. There are these kinds of people at every sporting occasion, on hand to provide medical aid if it is required. The majority of these are the St John’s Ambulance Service, which you must remember, is a charitable, voluntary organisation. If you want to do something good with your life, then this has to be one of the most fulfilling roles you can undertake. The work they do, with the case of Saturday night being the largest on the scale, is incredible and not commended enough in my opinion. It is certainly more praiseworthy than some of the sick and twisted individuals that have chosen to make light of the subject. This is where the power of social media is detrimental. People post ‘jokes’ and spread false information to generate hype. This is somebody’s life. How would you feel if the incident concerned someone you knew and cared for? You definitely would not be making jokes about it and would express fury at those that did I imagine. So take a look at yourself and note that a young man is bravely battling for his life after collapsing during a job that he loves.
It demonstrates as well, that not all of the football family have pulled together, though it has been amazing to see how many have. Ever since the incident, members from all parts of the football community have been displaying their support. Many fans, and not just those of Bolton, flocked to the Reebok Stadium, hoping to discover news of the midfielder, whilst the messages were flooding in all forms of the media, particularly twitter where fellow professionals were voicing their concerns and support. With Eric Abidal set to go under the knife for a liver transplant this week, it really demonstrates the extreme measures footballers put their bodies through to try and maintain their position within the game. Even at the match itself, there was no animosity from anyone when the match was abandoned, when fans in particular, could have vented some frustration. The whole incident was dealt with excellently I thought, and now we just hope Muamba pulls through. What does concern me though, is that it has required a traumatic incident like this to bring the football family together. This season there have been too many incidents that have fragmented different sectors of the footballing community. Too many arguments, too many unsportsmanlike acts, and they need to be stopped, or managed and governed much better than they have been. We play the game for our love and passion for it, Fabrice Muamba was a perfect example of that, and so if it ever needed to be more underlined that we need to remember our reasons for being involved in the game, then surely this is it.
Fabrice Muamba was no ordinary footballer. To compare him to Wayne Rooney for example is ridiculous. Here was a man established within the Premier League as an extraordinarily fit, box-to-box midfielder, committed to the cause and never letting his team-mates down in terms of effort. This dedication made him a fans favourite, alongside giving supporters the time they wished for with their hero. He was an intelligent man as well, still gaining an education alongside his football career, probably planning his future once his career concludes (which was expected another ten years at least). He and his family’s lives have now been lurched into perennial worry and they will never be the same again. If he does pull through, you would have to say that the medical advice is likely to culminate his career now. This would be a real shame for a man who had even established himself within, and captained, the England U’21 side. However, it is at times like these when health comes before anything else, and Muamba is smart enough to listen to advice and make the right call. However, right now, all we can do is put aside our footballing differences and remain united. Meanwhile, I, like I imagine all of you, wish the very best to Fabrice and pray for his family. I truly do hope that he makes a full recovery.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
The Bath Half: Sport is for amateurs too!
As we all know, sport is not just played amongst the elite athletes in the world. Part of the joy it provides is its capability to allow anyone to have a go. Some sports also allow for professionals and the amateurs to mix together, and this weekend was one of those, as I lined up as an amateur for the 2012 Bath Half Marathon. I was at the back of the 12,000 runners, of which the winner was Edwin Kiptoo, a Kenyan who achieved a course record in running the 13.1 miles in 62 minutes and 1 second - an unbelievable feat. If you have ever run a half marathon you will understand what a staggering achievement this is!
On a glorious sun-soaked day, people who were running for a variety of reasons, (primarily charitable), pounded the two-lap, relatively flat course after the gun went off at 11am. Roared on by crowds that lined both sides of the street throughout the majority of the course, the atmosphere truly was special. Celebrity figures in the form of Dermot O’Leary, Nell McAndrew and Nadia Sawalha were also venturing around the course. I did beat Dermot, and even overtook him, but failed to see me doing so! Celeb spotting failure!
If I was to talk about my own personal experience of the day, I guess the first thing I would talk about is the crowd, as without them I think my time could have been significantly worse. They certainly helped me to block out the pain that built in my legs. Constantly throughout I heard cried of “Go on JT”, not just from friends who had come out to watch but also complete strangers who were keen to push me along. Never did I think having my name on my t-shirt would generate that much support. As a means of thanks I did strive to either wave, give a thumbs up or smile at the supporter, or even overtake the next person in front of me (though this concept began to fail towards the end!). I really did appreciate it all, although having my mother clapping and cheering right in my face with less than a mile to go was one thing that I could have done without – certainly didn’t miss her then! The Macmillan team on the bridge were fantastic as well. They certainly provided a boost in morale as I commenced my second lap. Along with the crowd’s cheers, there were many musical delights, with people bringing out stereos, including Heart FM, to which motivational tracks were always on the go. They were accompanied with a few bands lining the streets, including a cracking steel drum team. It was all part of the fabulous atmosphere and I am certainly glad that I decided to run without musical aid. It isn’t needed and if you are plugged in, I imagine you miss out on a lot of other things going on around you.
Other than the crowd, those other runners that I shared the experience with were obviously vital too. Everyone helps one another long, as it is not a race in that everybody is aiming for the same goal. Every individual has their own targets and aims that they want to achieve. Some were dressed just like me, as a runner. Others took it to greater extremes. I saw boobs, I saw clowns, I saw ballerinas, I saw Spongebob. All of which were in the name of charity. How anyone can run around with a mask of any description though is beyond me. It must be stifling, especially when the temperatures rose as much as they did – kudos to all of them! Liquids were taken on board at every check point, although even they proved dangerous! On my first lap, I saw somebody launch their bottle over the crowd of runners, but in doing so, took their eyes off the road and ended up going straight into a traffic cone! They fell, but rolled out of it very well, and despite concerns from other runners, the man battled on valiantly.
When I crossed the line, firstly I felt such a joy in completing the task. Secondly, I was ecstatic that I ticked off my aims. Then I felt the serious jelly feeling in my legs. Wow, oh wow. I am certain they never felt that bad after any of my training runs. However, as we were ushered out of the way, there was little opportunity to try and ease the run down to allow the muscles to cope. Instead it was solely fluids and stretching that were used to try and return the body to normality. After then picking up my medal I headed straight for the Team Macmillan tent where I was provided with a massage. How beneficial that was. Thank you to my masseur, who basically ensured my calves and hamstrings were in a respectable state by the next day. They were concerned for my tight quadriceps though, and still, nearly 48 hours after the event they are still sore and limiting movement! So if anyone fancies helping me out, I would appreciate it! My right knee also took some punishment whilst running, so I have to currently ease myself around to try and prevent further damage.
So how did I do? Well as I just mentioned, I achieved my two goals. The first was to run the whole route, the second to run a sub 1:40 time. I did the course in 1:37:38, so I was thoroughly happy. However, I believe if I was in the starting pack ahead of me, a 1:35 time may have been reachable. This is because for the first three miles I spent trying to get up to the pace I desired and weaving in and out of others so there was a space for me to pick my pace up. This resulted in me using the pavement and going around the crowd at times! But I am not going to let a minor thing like that detract from my wonderful experience of the day. If you have ever had any inclination in being involved in such an event, I really would recommend it and urge you to do so. The sense of satisfaction you’ll have at the end makes it all worthwhile. Meanwhile, I have raised over £700 for Macmillan Cancer Support, so it is great to know my efforts are benefiting others as well. I can’t thank those sponsors enough. If you do wish to contribute, my online page is still accessible: www.justgiving.com/jtrunsbathhalf
On a glorious sun-soaked day, people who were running for a variety of reasons, (primarily charitable), pounded the two-lap, relatively flat course after the gun went off at 11am. Roared on by crowds that lined both sides of the street throughout the majority of the course, the atmosphere truly was special. Celebrity figures in the form of Dermot O’Leary, Nell McAndrew and Nadia Sawalha were also venturing around the course. I did beat Dermot, and even overtook him, but failed to see me doing so! Celeb spotting failure!
If I was to talk about my own personal experience of the day, I guess the first thing I would talk about is the crowd, as without them I think my time could have been significantly worse. They certainly helped me to block out the pain that built in my legs. Constantly throughout I heard cried of “Go on JT”, not just from friends who had come out to watch but also complete strangers who were keen to push me along. Never did I think having my name on my t-shirt would generate that much support. As a means of thanks I did strive to either wave, give a thumbs up or smile at the supporter, or even overtake the next person in front of me (though this concept began to fail towards the end!). I really did appreciate it all, although having my mother clapping and cheering right in my face with less than a mile to go was one thing that I could have done without – certainly didn’t miss her then! The Macmillan team on the bridge were fantastic as well. They certainly provided a boost in morale as I commenced my second lap. Along with the crowd’s cheers, there were many musical delights, with people bringing out stereos, including Heart FM, to which motivational tracks were always on the go. They were accompanied with a few bands lining the streets, including a cracking steel drum team. It was all part of the fabulous atmosphere and I am certainly glad that I decided to run without musical aid. It isn’t needed and if you are plugged in, I imagine you miss out on a lot of other things going on around you.
Other than the crowd, those other runners that I shared the experience with were obviously vital too. Everyone helps one another long, as it is not a race in that everybody is aiming for the same goal. Every individual has their own targets and aims that they want to achieve. Some were dressed just like me, as a runner. Others took it to greater extremes. I saw boobs, I saw clowns, I saw ballerinas, I saw Spongebob. All of which were in the name of charity. How anyone can run around with a mask of any description though is beyond me. It must be stifling, especially when the temperatures rose as much as they did – kudos to all of them! Liquids were taken on board at every check point, although even they proved dangerous! On my first lap, I saw somebody launch their bottle over the crowd of runners, but in doing so, took their eyes off the road and ended up going straight into a traffic cone! They fell, but rolled out of it very well, and despite concerns from other runners, the man battled on valiantly.
When I crossed the line, firstly I felt such a joy in completing the task. Secondly, I was ecstatic that I ticked off my aims. Then I felt the serious jelly feeling in my legs. Wow, oh wow. I am certain they never felt that bad after any of my training runs. However, as we were ushered out of the way, there was little opportunity to try and ease the run down to allow the muscles to cope. Instead it was solely fluids and stretching that were used to try and return the body to normality. After then picking up my medal I headed straight for the Team Macmillan tent where I was provided with a massage. How beneficial that was. Thank you to my masseur, who basically ensured my calves and hamstrings were in a respectable state by the next day. They were concerned for my tight quadriceps though, and still, nearly 48 hours after the event they are still sore and limiting movement! So if anyone fancies helping me out, I would appreciate it! My right knee also took some punishment whilst running, so I have to currently ease myself around to try and prevent further damage.
So how did I do? Well as I just mentioned, I achieved my two goals. The first was to run the whole route, the second to run a sub 1:40 time. I did the course in 1:37:38, so I was thoroughly happy. However, I believe if I was in the starting pack ahead of me, a 1:35 time may have been reachable. This is because for the first three miles I spent trying to get up to the pace I desired and weaving in and out of others so there was a space for me to pick my pace up. This resulted in me using the pavement and going around the crowd at times! But I am not going to let a minor thing like that detract from my wonderful experience of the day. If you have ever had any inclination in being involved in such an event, I really would recommend it and urge you to do so. The sense of satisfaction you’ll have at the end makes it all worthwhile. Meanwhile, I have raised over £700 for Macmillan Cancer Support, so it is great to know my efforts are benefiting others as well. I can’t thank those sponsors enough. If you do wish to contribute, my online page is still accessible: www.justgiving.com/jtrunsbathhalf
Tuesday 6 March 2012
How Politics is Looking to Ruin the Olympics
This week, once again a disturbing story emerged within the media, which has ignited the relationship between politics and sport. The story revolved around the claim by the leader of Unite, the UK’s biggest union, that workers may strike during the 2012 Olympics. Clearly this would cause absolute turmoil and chaotic scenes as the capital struggles to retain normality and functionability at a time when it is flooded with visitors experiencing the spectacle that it is the Olympic Games.
The word that seems to keep reoccurring regarding this story is that if the actions were followed through it would be unpatriotic of all those who went on strike. To me, patriotism is all about pride, and having a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to be associated with your home country. I think every individual wants to feel a sense of pride in themselves, particularly Brits, and these alleged actions could not remove a feeling of pride any further from an individual. How could you feel satisfied and proud of your actions if you knew that at a time when your city is being scrutinised globally, it was struggling, or even failing, to meet the needs of those who are trying to enjoy the Games. I would feel more embarrassment and shame than anything else. Ruining an event people have waited six years to come to fruition, one that people may be fortunate enough to witness first-hand just once in their lifetime. How is striking beneficial during a time like this?
When the Olympics are hosted well, they are a fantastic event and can create a lasting longevity for many people who are involved or interacting with the event. Sydney is a fabulous example. I was fortunate enough to visit their Olympic Park about four months ago, it was spectacular. It still looked pristine, with the facilities being used by members of the public – young and old. Commercial success is still being accomplished, whilst there are monuments that provide permanent memories of the events that unfolded there. If London’s Olympic Park is operating as well as Sydney’s in eleven, twelve years on from now, then we should continue to be grateful and appreciative that we are holding the Olympics in our country. It will demonstrate that a legacy can be achieved, showing that the Olympics can be spectacular after the main show is over as well as during the weeks when we are entertained by the world’s best athletes.
It is good that all the major politicians have come out and been damning of this alleged proposal by Unite. Admittedly they have all been supportive of a British Olympics, but their scathing attack has ensured that the politicians will do their utmost to ensure such a disgraceful act does not occur. Labour are the biggest players in this respect, due to the funding they provide Unite, so their criticism of the potential proposal is a positive move. With the general public being unsupportive of any action during this time as well, you could describe it as selfish, unrighteous behaviour of the unions if they declared any action. If anything, it would probably lead to the unions losing more public support and backing than earning any, which is surely the complete opposite effect that they are searching for?
What needs to be noted though is that sources told the BBC that they were unaware of any plans currently in place for any strike action. Arguably then, you could say the leader used this opportunity to gain more publicity for public sector workers and has just made the claim as a threat if the union becomes severely disgruntled any time soon. The fact that London has the Olympics and therefore needs to be functioning perfectly during this time period, just provides the unions the opportunity to ruin everything for everyone else in making a stance that will lead to turmoil. What also needs to be noted is that, even if unions did decide to strike, individuals would still have the choice on whether they participate in the strike action or not. I would therefore hope that if strike action was announced, people’s better judgement and pride would come to the fore and they would still attend work and try to help London produce one of, if not the best, Olympic Games the world has ever witnessed.
This post has unfortunately therefore been more politically charged than sporting discussion. However, the connotations are massive if such a move ever emerged. The celebrations that Britain displayed after being awarded the Games, along with the efficiency and desire during the preparation period can only be commended. It would only be a shame and result in a negative portrayal of London’s capabilities to host a major sporting event if all of this hard work was undone by the decision of some ungrateful individuals. People who are far too obsessed with themselves and their own stature within life, rather than looking at the implications and adverse effects their decision-making capabilities will have on the country as a whole. Thankfully, the uproar the comments seem to have caused will cause Unite to have serious contemplations about announcing any strike work during the time of the Olympics. Maybe, it will be a time when some people see how their time and services can be appreciated and recognised by a means that is not necessarily monetary, or at least at a worth it might normally be valued. Let us hope public sector workers want to work during this party because they too want to be a part of it. I am proud to be British. I am overjoyed we are hosting the Olympics. I now want the rest of the world to see why we’re not just Britain, but that we are Great Britain!
The word that seems to keep reoccurring regarding this story is that if the actions were followed through it would be unpatriotic of all those who went on strike. To me, patriotism is all about pride, and having a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to be associated with your home country. I think every individual wants to feel a sense of pride in themselves, particularly Brits, and these alleged actions could not remove a feeling of pride any further from an individual. How could you feel satisfied and proud of your actions if you knew that at a time when your city is being scrutinised globally, it was struggling, or even failing, to meet the needs of those who are trying to enjoy the Games. I would feel more embarrassment and shame than anything else. Ruining an event people have waited six years to come to fruition, one that people may be fortunate enough to witness first-hand just once in their lifetime. How is striking beneficial during a time like this?
When the Olympics are hosted well, they are a fantastic event and can create a lasting longevity for many people who are involved or interacting with the event. Sydney is a fabulous example. I was fortunate enough to visit their Olympic Park about four months ago, it was spectacular. It still looked pristine, with the facilities being used by members of the public – young and old. Commercial success is still being accomplished, whilst there are monuments that provide permanent memories of the events that unfolded there. If London’s Olympic Park is operating as well as Sydney’s in eleven, twelve years on from now, then we should continue to be grateful and appreciative that we are holding the Olympics in our country. It will demonstrate that a legacy can be achieved, showing that the Olympics can be spectacular after the main show is over as well as during the weeks when we are entertained by the world’s best athletes.
It is good that all the major politicians have come out and been damning of this alleged proposal by Unite. Admittedly they have all been supportive of a British Olympics, but their scathing attack has ensured that the politicians will do their utmost to ensure such a disgraceful act does not occur. Labour are the biggest players in this respect, due to the funding they provide Unite, so their criticism of the potential proposal is a positive move. With the general public being unsupportive of any action during this time as well, you could describe it as selfish, unrighteous behaviour of the unions if they declared any action. If anything, it would probably lead to the unions losing more public support and backing than earning any, which is surely the complete opposite effect that they are searching for?
What needs to be noted though is that sources told the BBC that they were unaware of any plans currently in place for any strike action. Arguably then, you could say the leader used this opportunity to gain more publicity for public sector workers and has just made the claim as a threat if the union becomes severely disgruntled any time soon. The fact that London has the Olympics and therefore needs to be functioning perfectly during this time period, just provides the unions the opportunity to ruin everything for everyone else in making a stance that will lead to turmoil. What also needs to be noted is that, even if unions did decide to strike, individuals would still have the choice on whether they participate in the strike action or not. I would therefore hope that if strike action was announced, people’s better judgement and pride would come to the fore and they would still attend work and try to help London produce one of, if not the best, Olympic Games the world has ever witnessed.
This post has unfortunately therefore been more politically charged than sporting discussion. However, the connotations are massive if such a move ever emerged. The celebrations that Britain displayed after being awarded the Games, along with the efficiency and desire during the preparation period can only be commended. It would only be a shame and result in a negative portrayal of London’s capabilities to host a major sporting event if all of this hard work was undone by the decision of some ungrateful individuals. People who are far too obsessed with themselves and their own stature within life, rather than looking at the implications and adverse effects their decision-making capabilities will have on the country as a whole. Thankfully, the uproar the comments seem to have caused will cause Unite to have serious contemplations about announcing any strike work during the time of the Olympics. Maybe, it will be a time when some people see how their time and services can be appreciated and recognised by a means that is not necessarily monetary, or at least at a worth it might normally be valued. Let us hope public sector workers want to work during this party because they too want to be a part of it. I am proud to be British. I am overjoyed we are hosting the Olympics. I now want the rest of the world to see why we’re not just Britain, but that we are Great Britain!
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