London 2012 blog

Comments for this post:

• 1 Dec 2006, shaunnewcomb said:

  Most people say Sydney was the most fantastic & memorable games. To the athletes I have spoken with, this was because it was superbly run, the people were efficient yet really friendly and the Opening / Closing ceremonies were the best. Most home spectators on the other hand mention the great location, thinking of the TV views of the harbour, although apart from the sailing events at Rushcutters Bay, most of the action was centred around Homebush which, apart from the superb facilities which were built there is not that memorable and a fair way from the glitz of the harbour & city.
  The ideas about TV technology sound great. We must also be proud to showcase London for the great city it is in our TV coverage.
  Ensuring that all is in place to ensure the smooth running of the games is something we must commit to getting right. Most of all though we must show our happiness and embrace this celebration from start to finish - It's a once in a lifetime opportunity - Bring it on!

• 1 Dec 2006, Ian T said:

  The one memorable point of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester was when the athletes entered the stadium during the Opening Ceremony. For each nation, the stadium announcer would say something along the lines of "Say hello to Australia" and the crowd would respond "Hello Australia!". For the nations with only a few athletes there, this must have been a huge moment. It certainly came across well on the TV.

• 2 Dec 2006, yorkie said:

  Having been involved with the planning and operations of the Sydney 2000 Games, I was so proud to see the 'all round' end product. I think what made it so memorable was the overt comradeship that filtered through at all levels.
  
  The timetabling was vital and to see our public transport system work like clockwork was just great.
  
  My own personal, most memorable moment was at the closing ceremony for the Paralympics when I was down talking with some of the wheelchair athletes. I wasn't meant to be out on the field, but when the ropes came down I was ebbed out into the centre arena by a tidal flow of athletes, all keen to get out and celebrate their wonderful achievements. What a night!!!
  
  Also, I took a group of school children to see some events, and they were so excited to be able to have their photo taken with some athletes +/- their medals. As memories can be re-lived over and over through photos, perhaps this could be something for the Games organisers to consider. How about special time being allocated each day to have photos taken with different athletes, not training or competing on the day??? Not only would this be memorable for the spectator, but it would also generate some revenue for the Games.
  
  Kim Appleby
  Email: kim_appleby@hotmail.com

• 2 Dec 2006, capetown2020 said:

  Heather Small singing "Proud" during the opening ceremony would be a good start.
  Do not underestimate the power of quality volunteers who have a vital role to play throughout the Games. Some say they are the "glue" which keep the tiny yet important pieces of each day together.
  
  Signage is vital in creating the feel and the atmosphere of the Games.

• 5 Dec 2006, Andrew Ferguson said:

  Paul Deighton asks "What will make The Games memorable?" Several of the comments so far have suggested the answer is "Friendliness". The East End is a friendly, no-nonsense, unpretentious place; its "vibrancy and cultural diversity" were, according to Seb Coe, key to our successful bid. It's the genuine desire to be of service, to help, show the way, sympathise with frustrations and difficulties visitors are experiencing that will create the warmest memories visitors take away.
  
  These must be "The Friendly Games", remembered for decades for the quality of our hospitality. They must also be "The East End Games", demonstrating the characteristics which won us The Games, involving local people, social enterprises and businesses - selected for their professional excellence and genuine interpersonal skills.
  
  The process of 'capacity building' needs to start now.

• 4 Dec 2006, capetown2020 said:

  I think its vital what Kim had to say:
  
  "How about special time being allocated each day to have photos taken with different athletes, not training or competing on the day??? "
  
  There are many ways one can look at this. Firstly, an effective and well structured International Zone at the Olympic Village, where spectators, family and volunteers are able to meet. The IOC has made mention that the International Zone did appear to be quite small in some past applicant city's bids, so perhaps a large space, that is secure and open to the public to be able to meet their heroes. Making this experience unique could really inspire youth from across the World.
  
  Secondly, the layout of the Olympic Park and the activities/entertainment within the spectators areas/walkways of the park are also vital in creating an electric atmosphere. Incorporating athletes into the entertainment(allowing athletes to volunteer) could be a possibility. At Sydney 2000 fans were able to e-mail Athletes, in London 2012 this could be take one step further by allowing fans to request to see certain athletes. Athletes in demand could be asked to volunteer to spend some time with fans. I believe both ideas are achievable.
  
  One thing we have to realise is that in 2012, the world is coming to London. While the Sydney Games act as a good guideline/model, A London Games will be dramatically larger in every way.

• 4 Dec 2006, Will C said:

  I have two suggestions;
  
  1) One of the reasons that Sydney was such a success was the attitude of the Volunteers. They were all around the City and at every Venue; always helpful, they were there to make visitors feel welcome and to answer any questions visitors had.
  
  2) Make the Opening Ceremony for the athletes: too often the athletes stand around for hours, miss the Opening Ceremony celebrations and then have to stand around in the Stadium. Get the athletes in early and give them seats; for those competing early in the Games, let them parade around the Stadium and straight out and back to the Village.

• 7 Dec 2006, MJEgner said:

  A Memorable London Games? One that displays the pageant and splendour of a historic city; the vibrancy of a lively centre of culture; a celebration of a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan city; a spectacle for viewers and spectators alike; outstanding performances from all competitors, particularly homegrown athletes; a drugs-free games; a friendly welcome by the friendly East End; an uplift in spirit to counteract the normal cynicism - much as happened at Manchester 2002; a good balance between those new to the sports getting tickets, and those who have been faithful supporters over the years not being kept out of venues by those who aren't really that interested; a transformed Stratford and area; a nation of young people inspired to compete, perform and enjoy sport .... what more can I say?!

• 21 Dec 2006, Picabrillo said:

  Picking up on the point about how the sport is presented on TV and in stadiums, it may be easy to do in Athletics with giant screens, but what about in something like cross country? People are engaged when they know what's going on or if they can follow their fellow sportsman, but if the only method of tracking the marathon was giant screens in intermittent places, how are people engaged?
  
  The Internet could be used to great effect by London 2012 by giving people the opportunity to follow the action and understand what's going on from anywhere. Use satellites to track boat positions? Provide maps and tracking on mobile phones. Don't understand why a BMX biker was disqualified? Listen to an explanation on a PDA. The Internet is being accessed from so many different devices it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.
  
  And a memorable London Games would be to see the WHOLE of London come to life, not just selected areas with big screens. Not forgetting the rest of the UK, because this is a celebration of British Sport.