No-one should be swayed by the ill-informed nonsense of people who say we should not be putting on the Games. The UK is the 4th or 5th biggest economy in the world and we should not be defensive about mounting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I, myself, grew up in a multi-story building in multi-ethnic Brixton, South London. In the 1950s there was not much recreation for youngsters – nor is there still. But the 2012 Games will change all that. With Seb’s vision, and the building and regeneration work taking place, benefits are being created that will be felt for decades: new businesses, new jobs and, of course, new sports facilities for the community. The Games themselves will also create an interest in actively participating in sport and healthy living. Sport is fun – and there’s nothing wrong with fun.
For me, as a young boy, sport made life worth living. Back in the 1950s, parents felt it safe for children to play in the streets, and to walk everywhere – often alone. There were no televisions or computer games that kept us sitting indoors. Decades on, it's a whole new social landscape, and child obesity is a real issue … something the Games will help address by inspiring young people to get active, and get involved in grassroots sports.
We want our children to be fit, not fat. To be in teams, not gangs. To channel all their energy positively, not negatively. I believe the Games will help achieve this.
As Prime Minister, I established the National Lottery because I wanted to ensure funding for some of the important things in life that can get passed over when budgets are tight: sport, the arts, theatre, the environment. It has given me enormous pleasure to see the grassroots development in these areas changing the quality of so many lives – from bowling greens for pensioners, to new local drama groups for the young – and old. As well as so much in between. The 2012 Games will do much to further inspire people in all these areas – and others.
In 2012, the eyes of the world will be riveted on a totally rejuvenated area of London. We'll be celebrating the achievements of athletes who are the best in the world – the best of almost seven billion people. And I’m delighted with the prominence the Paralympic Games is beginning to have, with increased awareness and coverage, which will, no doubt, be further heightened when the Games are on our own home ground.
From what I've seen today, the outcome will be spectacular, and I – for one – simply can't wait.
