The
Olympic Legacy, can the flame be kept alive by Government
In an extensive 113 pages of the last report from the House of
Lords select committee (18th November 2013) much is focused on the
Government’s lack of focus, with overall responsibility rather weakly spread
amongst departments, and some sort of hope that the Mayor’s office will pick up
the proverbial baton.
Maybe the pithiest comment “we are unconvinced that the
Government’s current arrangement represent a robust way to deliver the legacy …
a lack of clear ownership. In the same vein we call for the Mayor to be given
lead responsibility”
The London 2012 legacy promised “nothing less than a healthier,
and more successful sporting nation … and more inclusive communities”. The
committee further reflects “the UK faces an epidemic of obesity and the promise
of inspiring a new sporting generation was critical and tantalising part of the
legacy. A post games step change did not materialise”
Should we expect more from politicians, probably not.
However the flame is alive and well, shortly the Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park will be re-opening under the ownership of Lee Valley Regional
Authority and LLDC, there we find the true torch bearers.
Take cycling, maybe our most successful 2012 sport, and most
iconic site, the Velodrome. Lee Valley has developed a world class team and is
in the process of physically opening the doors in March 2014. On a higher level
the angst felt by the Lords is being addressed not by Government office’s, but
by those passionate about their venue and sport.
The London Velopark consists of the Velodrome, BMX and road track.
Lee Valley have organised themselves to meet all the professional and amateur
cycling demands, but maybe more crucial, they have partnered with specialists
to add “inclusion”, a key part of our original bid.
One such partner, tasked with delivering corporate track days, is
Velo-Events. With their experience of “corporate events” they have taken the
opportunity of forcing philanthropy.
For any company wishing to use the Velodrome a mandatory levy is
rebated to fund track time and training for disadvantaged school children. A
corporate day, on average will yield the opportunity for over 200 to be
introduced and developed for track competition.
So maybe we need not look to the State, but support and empower those
who are actually fulfilling the Legacy.
