London's pitch to the IOC was based on the promise of a Games to inspire the youth of the world, and to revolutionise participation in sport in the UK. Grandiose pledges made in the midst of a bid campaign seldom become reality but London’s credibility rests on delivering on this fundamental issue.
The transformational potential of the Olympics helped unlock Treasury vaults for the redevelopment of east London, but the public will not tolerate white elephants and there must be a sporting and health dividend for the UK to justify the cost.
Worryingly this is where progress has been most patchy, perhaps because the methodology for delivering it is woolly. Just how do you tempt a teenager off the sofa, or his father out of the pub?
Seb Coe believes it will take co-ordinated thinking by policy makers allied to the inspirational power of a great games, and slowly there are signs that the first is being delivered.
After Johnson ripped up existing plans following his election Baroness Ford is now chairing the Olympic Legacy Delivery Company, which will be responsible for managing the Olympic Park post-Games. Finding a permanent tenant for the main stadium, or failing that a business plan that pays its way remains the major challenge.
The soft legacy is more difficult, but the government insists that its initiatives such as free swimming are helping deliver on its target of 2 million more people doing sport or physical exercise by London 2012.
Assuming they win the next election, the Conservatives face a challenge to turn Labour’s promises into reality.
SOURCE FROM WWW.TELEGRAPH.CO.UK
No comments:
Post a Comment