HAVE YOUR SAY: What should Britain's Olympics legacy be? (From Stroud News and Journal)

aspiration without funding is not a formula for success.
for a fortnight the heat has been off of the government - now that the news is back ,reality will come back and whilst the olympics and the hype around will carry a positive vibe for a couple of weeks we all still have to fund our lives first and foremost and theres no spare cash to carry through the desires of our youngsters and it will all fall a bit flat

Inject some money into a new 'healthy schools programme' in my opinion !
Hopefully will help stop obesity in children becoming the norm and also in later life !
It would also have a knock-on benefit easing the financial NHS burden with healthier population in the future !

Stop selling off school sports fields Mr Gove.

Lets hope our councilors and jobsworths are ready for the cycling and rowing frenzy that is sweeping the nation.
You can't cycle the prom at the moment, and there's a total ban on the cliff tops and in the chines, in fact you see no cycling signs everywhere!
And its a shame that the westover rowing club building was demolished just prior to the Olympics. Still, I'm sure our councilors are poised to reap the sporting bonanza that will come to this town as part of the Olympic Legacy!

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Lets hope our councilors and jobsworths are ready for the cycling and rowing frenzy that is sweeping the nation.
You can't cycle the prom at the moment, and there's a total ban on the cliff tops and in the chines, in fact you see no cycling signs everywhere!
And its a shame that the westover rowing club building was demolished just prior to the Olympics. Still, I'm sure our councilors are poised to reap the sporting bonanza that will come to this town as part of the Olympic Legacy!

take it from me 'olympic legacy' is a media inspired hype that will be a very damp squib.
if youre into sport ,youll carry on .
if youre having a short term rush of blood to the head in tune with your trendy mates it will be just like your new year resolution !!! 'seemed like a good idea at the time ....... !' followed by a million excuses not to go cycling in the middle of winter

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Lets hope our councilors and jobsworths are ready for the cycling and rowing frenzy that is sweeping the nation.
You can't cycle the prom at the moment, and there's a total ban on the cliff tops and in the chines, in fact you see no cycling signs everywhere!
And its a shame that the westover rowing club building was demolished just prior to the Olympics. Still, I'm sure our councilors are poised to reap the sporting bonanza that will come to this town as part of the Olympic Legacy!

How about our Councillors considering this deal - enforce the 10 - 6 Summer ban on prom cycling, to help protect our visitors, in return for keeping the prom free of sand for both us regulars and the new cyclists who might like to use the prom to build up confidence before facing the traffic on the roads.

The Legacy will be selling off school sports fields to developers and cutting back on summer youth clubs due to lack of funding.

%50 of our medal winners came from private schools. This fugure will only get bigger with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer under Cameron.

...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

yourbard wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Lets hope our councilors and jobsworths are ready for the cycling and rowing frenzy that is sweeping the nation.
You can't cycle the prom at the moment, and there's a total ban on the cliff tops and in the chines, in fact you see no cycling signs everywhere!
And its a shame that the westover rowing club building was demolished just prior to the Olympics. Still, I'm sure our councilors are poised to reap the sporting bonanza that will come to this town as part of the Olympic Legacy!

How about our Councillors considering this deal - enforce the 10 - 6 Summer ban on prom cycling, to help protect our visitors, in return for keeping the prom free of sand for both us regulars and the new cyclists who might like to use the prom to build up confidence before facing the traffic on the roads.

theres a loverly velodrome at slades farm and at times ive been there have never seen anyone else on it . why ?

It isn't over yet!
The ParaLympic games don't start until 29th.

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

talkischeap wrote:

yourbard wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Lets hope our councilors and jobsworths are ready for the cycling and rowing frenzy that is sweeping the nation.
You can't cycle the prom at the moment, and there's a total ban on the cliff tops and in the chines, in fact you see no cycling signs everywhere!
And its a shame that the westover rowing club building was demolished just prior to the Olympics. Still, I'm sure our councilors are poised to reap the sporting bonanza that will come to this town as part of the Olympic Legacy!

How about our Councillors considering this deal - enforce the 10 - 6 Summer ban on prom cycling, to help protect our visitors, in return for keeping the prom free of sand for both us regulars and the new cyclists who might like to use the prom to build up confidence before facing the traffic on the roads.

theres a loverly velodrome at slades farm and at times ive been there have never seen anyone else on it . why ?

Not a good place to get on a bike for the first time!

Can we have the roundabouts back? I've been told that the traffic lights are only leased, anyway!

What will be the legacy? More kids wanting to do more sport, which currently means sports clubs to which they need to be driven by their parents. So more cars on the road, more stressed parents as they have to spend more of their time ferrying their offspring around. Less time for exercise for the parents, more cars on the roads so more cyclists scared off the roads. So overall slightly healthier kids and generally fatter adults.

A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games.

Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities.

Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory.

Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them?

In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

ajj-dorset wrote:
A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games.

Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities.

Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory.

Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them?

In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ?
idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:
A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games.

Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities.

Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory.

Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them?

In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ?
idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

Seems plenty of people have time to be miserable and condescending on comment pages but expect others to get up and do something to help.

Time and money can be found if the will is there, odd that the DfE can find £600 million for free schools but decides to scrap SSPs?

In my experience, where there is a will, there is a way, but there will always be some soulless detractor who criticises rather than participates.

talkischeap wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

In business you also have products for sale, which you know on their own don't provide a profit but they bring in the punters to buy other products. A pool in a central location would be just such a product....and if it was made Olympic size, we can have international competitions in it.
The accompanying publicity and visitors all aids the town and encourages young people to take part in sport.

jinglebell wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

In business you also have products for sale, which you know on their own don't provide a profit but they bring in the punters to buy other products. A pool in a central location would be just such a product....and if it was made Olympic size, we can have international competitions in it.
The accompanying publicity and visitors all aids the town and encourages young people to take part in sport.

Why does it HAVE to be profitable??
The Olympics were loss making, why does £ profit have to drive everything?

There are too many people who know the cost of everything but the value of nothing!

The Olympic legacy should be 70000 volunteers, with smiling faces, who freely gave 8 million hours of their time, plus the other 170000 applicants who were not selected, who could give another 20 million hours of their time, to assist those who are incapable of participating in the joys of sport.
Some hope! The Big Society, we are all in this together!

ajj-dorset wrote:

jinglebell wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

In business you also have products for sale, which you know on their own don't provide a profit but they bring in the punters to buy other products. A pool in a central location would be just such a product....and if it was made Olympic size, we can have international competitions in it.
The accompanying publicity and visitors all aids the town and encourages young people to take part in sport.

Why does it HAVE to be profitable??
The Olympics were loss making, why does £ profit have to drive everything?

There are too many people who know the cost of everything but the value of nothing!

Its not that I advocate that everything has to make a profit - I do not - but rather I can see that those in power will do nothing unless they see a profit...and they care little for the value in sport or art or any other pursuit. Having said that, a pool or sports centre can provide a profit to others in the locality if it is large enough to provide for international competitions.....in business we would call it a "loss leader". Something does not have to have one purpose - it can provide more than one.
What price ultimately can we place on the health and well being of our community? I would say its priceless ......I'm sure, however, Council Leader, Beesley will have a financial costing at his finger tips. He is happy to demolish the Boscombe Centre for Community and Arts (BCCA) for 11 houses, when it could provide for an increase in tourism, jobs, cinema, theatre, artist's workshops and inspiration for young people.
The British people do not take to the streets to demonstrate their concerns; they just seem to grumble into their tea. It is our apathy that kills the chances of our young to get the sports and arts facilities they need and deserve.
If even one tenth of the population of B'mth demonstrated in the streets on behalf the sports and arts facilities our young people deserve.....it would be delivered.

jinglebell wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

In business you also have products for sale, which you know on their own don't provide a profit but they bring in the punters to buy other products. A pool in a central location would be just such a product....and if it was made Olympic size, we can have international competitions in it.
The accompanying publicity and visitors all aids the town and encourages young people to take part in sport.

olympic sized swimming pool ?? what sort of extravagence is that when we cant get funding for hospitals ,care for the elderly and all the rest of it . arent we told that it was this type of spending on under used facilities that got this country in debt
we had a swimming pool at the BIC the only way that could have been closer to the sea was to actually be in it .
these facilities do have to make a profit ,why should everyone fund facilities for the few ,this isnt a few quids worth . swimming pools cost millions to construct ,if you must swim jump in the sea its big enough and its free or tootle off to the Littledown they will welcome you with open arms and its already there . why dont we have an ice skating rink ? because not enough people want it and no private company can see a profit in it . the space is allocated but no one will ever build it and this council can no longer splash the cash like they used to ,these are schemes to forget for many years to come.

jinglebell wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:

jinglebell wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

jobsworthwatch wrote:
...and of course there's the swimming, we've got the sea but no pool near the sea front? Considering the town is sandwiched between two harbours rammed with sailing craft; a marina might be a good idea too?

we only have one profitable swimming pool (run by the council)in this area (and profitable it HAS to be ) at the Littledown Centre and that only because it is a complete sports centre,as a stand alone pool it would have closed years ago

In business you also have products for sale, which you know on their own don't provide a profit but they bring in the punters to buy other products. A pool in a central location would be just such a product....and if it was made Olympic size, we can have international competitions in it.
The accompanying publicity and visitors all aids the town and encourages young people to take part in sport.

Why does it HAVE to be profitable??
The Olympics were loss making, why does £ profit have to drive everything?

There are too many people who know the cost of everything but the value of nothing!

Its not that I advocate that everything has to make a profit - I do not - but rather I can see that those in power will do nothing unless they see a profit...and they care little for the value in sport or art or any other pursuit. Having said that, a pool or sports centre can provide a profit to others in the locality if it is large enough to provide for international competitions.....in business we would call it a "loss leader". Something does not have to have one purpose - it can provide more than one.
What price ultimately can we place on the health and well being of our community? I would say its priceless ......I'm sure, however, Council Leader, Beesley will have a financial costing at his finger tips. He is happy to demolish the Boscombe Centre for Community and Arts (BCCA) for 11 houses, when it could provide for an increase in tourism, jobs, cinema, theatre, artist's workshops and inspiration for young people.
The British people do not take to the streets to demonstrate their concerns; they just seem to grumble into their tea. It is our apathy that kills the chances of our young to get the sports and arts facilities they need and deserve.
If even one tenth of the population of B'mth demonstrated in the streets on behalf the sports and arts facilities our young people deserve.....it would be delivered.

I was quoting someone else who said "and profitable it HAS to be".

There are plenty of activities that are subsidised by the state, educating our young people to the benefits of sport should be high up on the list. Investing in facilities and equipment is surely a cost effective way of improving the health and well-being of our nation.

ajj-dorset wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:
A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games.

Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities.

Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory.

Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them?

In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ?
idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

Seems plenty of people have time to be miserable and condescending on comment pages but expect others to get up and do something to help.

Time and money can be found if the will is there, odd that the DfE can find £600 million for free schools but decides to scrap SSPs?

In my experience, where there is a will, there is a way, but there will always be some soulless detractor who criticises rather than participates.

no point being enthusiastic on your own ,for most of us keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table are the priority,never mind poncing about in lycra with a beer belly and a fag in your hand trying to look for all the world like exersise is the best thing since sliced bread.
exercise ,unless you like ,is boring and there are far better ways to proceed toward your death ,in my oppinion

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote: A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games. Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities. Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory. Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them? In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ? idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

Seems plenty of people have time to be miserable and condescending on comment pages but expect others to get up and do something to help. Time and money can be found if the will is there, odd that the DfE can find £600 million for free schools but decides to scrap SSPs? In my experience, where there is a will, there is a way, but there will always be some soulless detractor who criticises rather than participates.

no point being enthusiastic on your own ,for most of us keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table are the priority,never mind poncing about in lycra with a beer belly and a fag in your hand trying to look for all the world like exersise is the best thing since sliced bread. exercise ,unless you like ,is boring and there are far better ways to proceed toward your death ,in my oppinion

Let me guess: you drive to work, don't you?

FNS-man wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote: A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games. Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities. Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory. Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them? In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ? idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

Seems plenty of people have time to be miserable and condescending on comment pages but expect others to get up and do something to help. Time and money can be found if the will is there, odd that the DfE can find £600 million for free schools but decides to scrap SSPs? In my experience, where there is a will, there is a way, but there will always be some soulless detractor who criticises rather than participates.

no point being enthusiastic on your own ,for most of us keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table are the priority,never mind poncing about in lycra with a beer belly and a fag in your hand trying to look for all the world like exersise is the best thing since sliced bread. exercise ,unless you like ,is boring and there are far better ways to proceed toward your death ,in my oppinion

Let me guess: you drive to work, don't you?

stupid question ,like many others I drive for a living ,whats that got to do with anything ?,dont smoke or drink and i dont want to do exersise as part of my daily routine ,if however thats your choice ,enjoy it

the legacy will be britain in DEBTfor the next 20 years trying to pay off the olpics

pugs0404 wrote:
the legacy will be britain in DEBTfor the next 20 years trying to pay off the olpics

Paying for the banking crisis is what will cost. The Olympics are no where near as expensive and providing a positive experience of sport for our youngsters would be minute in comparison.

let's hope the recognition of the UK as a multiracial nation will continue. however, i sadly doubt it. the hypocrisy is sickening. happy to cheer Mo Farah, but 98% of white Brits would spit blood if a family of Somalians moved in next to them.

The government don't even need to pump millions extra into schools for sports - which may be a black hole as they juggle with budgets. For a fraction of the cost they could pump some of that money into existing sports clubs and help their infrastructure and chances of progression to a decent competitive level.

The Sports Arena on the beach showed there are lots of volunteers at clubs and the expertise to help youngsters - and adults - into sport.

We have some excellent clubs in Weymouth and Portland from football, rugby, cricket, swimming, volleyball, table tennis etc and potentially excellent facilities (like Wey Valley Tennis Centre/Redlands/Spor
ts grounds). These clubs are in a better position to help improve the facilities and infrastructure and they have local knowledge.
l

50% off Britains Gold medals came from athletes originating from public schools.
Which is far more democratic than wealth distribution.
Take out Maggies folly of home ownership and council property sell off, this generation is worse off than their grandparents generation.

Well, the majority of comments are negative and despite the fact that we are all getting fatter with the accompanying costs to the NHS - it looks like nothing will happen to help sports or any activity become an exciting reality for the majority.
As for the Littledown, its a bit too out of the way to bother about if your on holiday and want to ditch the car.
We never seem to learn from other countries or towns that get it right....in Bournemouth we just seem to continue to dither around unable to make decisions which attract visitors, and encourage the community to do anything to become involved in any kind of decision making.

talkischeap wrote:

FNS-man wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote:

talkischeap wrote:

ajj-dorset wrote: A real legacy would involve real investment, both in cash terms from the government and in time from people inspired by these fantastic games. Bizarrely the government have decided what is needed is enforced competition for young children and further erosion of teachers contracts. Whilst this may go down well with the ill informed Daily Mail reader who have been conditioned to beleive there is no competition in school sports and that leftie teachers are the root cause of all ills in the world, the reality is that young children need encouragement, to learn basic skills and to be exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities. Schools and teachers were roundly praised by many of the medal winners for their contribution and encouragement, competitors understand that so many people gave freely of their time to help develop young athletes and imbibe the skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed. Sad to see how politicians who neither participated in or seem to understand what actually goes on within state schools, condemning teachers for not doing enough unpaid work to help those self same politicians revel in the glory. Lets see them commit money to primary school sports, lets see them provide proper equipment, training and resources. lets see a government praise teachers rather than criticizing them, helping them not hindering them? In addition lets see parents with sporting ability getting involved in schools, helping pass on that knowledge and skills rather than sitting back leaving the burden with teachers. Schools are desperate to expand their sporting curriculum, but with the demise of SSP they often lack specific expertise in sports, more parental involvement could help close this gap.

and which planet are you on exactly ? idealistic claptrap,whos got the time for it ,we're all to busy making the money in the real world

Seems plenty of people have time to be miserable and condescending on comment pages but expect others to get up and do something to help. Time and money can be found if the will is there, odd that the DfE can find £600 million for free schools but decides to scrap SSPs? In my experience, where there is a will, there is a way, but there will always be some soulless detractor who criticises rather than participates.

no point being enthusiastic on your own ,for most of us keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table are the priority,never mind poncing about in lycra with a beer belly and a fag in your hand trying to look for all the world like exersise is the best thing since sliced bread. exercise ,unless you like ,is boring and there are far better ways to proceed toward your death ,in my oppinion

Let me guess: you drive to work, don't you?

stupid question ,like many others I drive for a living ,whats that got to do with anything ?,dont smoke or drink and i dont want to do exersise as part of my daily routine ,if however thats your choice ,enjoy it

Your attitude to the world just seemed typical of drivers. Thanks for confirming my prejudices.