Olympic torch fever
Posted by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, at 14:01, Wed 4 July 2012:
We have had a month of celebration and unity with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. And as if that wasn’t enough, we had the Olympic torch right on our doorstep and now the feeling of excitement for the Games is all around us.
On the day the torch came through the district, I was lucky enough to witness it through both Knaresborough and Harrogate. I was at King James’ School and then went to High Bridge to stand with the crowds and some of the beds from the Knaresborough Bed Race to watch the torch pass.
I then accompanied the District Mayor to the Cenotaph in Harrogate, just in time to witness the torch pass there as well. The feedback I have had on the relay has been great. I have never seen such crowds in our area. I visited a local primary school a few days later, and the pupils were still buzzing over it all!
We should recognise the importance of events such as these, an importance heightened by the difficult economic times we face. Communities were brought together, and people celebrated the events. It gave a boost in morale to us all. Seeing the crowds gathered on the Mall for the Jubilee Concert, as I watched it on the big screen with the crowds at Knaresborough Castle, gave us a taste of the atmosphere that we will experience during the Games.
People I have spoken to seem to be looking forward to the opening and some of those who are most excited weren’t even born when we won the bid to hold the Games seven long years ago.
The Games have to run smoothly, of course, and that is not easy. Through my role in the Transport team, I have seen just how much work has been done, from the detailed planning to working contingencies.
It has to be set straight that the Olympics isn’t a financial drain that will leave no lasting legacy. Quite the reverse. Seventy-five pence of every pound that the Olympic Delivery Authority is spending on venues and infrastructure for the Games is an investment in long-term regeneration. Therefore a considerable physical legacy from the Games has already been delivered in the host boroughs.
It should also be noted that around 1,500 businesses in the UK won 98 per cent of the Olympic Park's construction contracts, totalling more than £6 billion, generating work and creating jobs throughout the entire country. The impact on tourism will be huge. Campaigns like 'GREAT Britain - You're Invited' are set to bring in an extra 4.6 million visitors, more than £2 billion in visitor spend and nearly 60,000 jobs over four years. The TV audiences for the opening and closing ceremonies will probably be the biggest ever worldwide audiences.
But my point isn’t purely financial. I believe there will be a sporting legacy, with more people playing more sports. I hope our local North Yorkshire School Games is just the start. There is the cultural impact, the national pride and bringing people together behind a common endeavour. Being part of a big national and international event is wonderful opportunity. Students from Rossett School will play a part in the opening ceremony with eight youngsters helping make up a 2,000-strong Guard of Honour for the world's greatest athletes, lining the parade route. Lifetime memories for them.
So I am an unashamed fan of the Olympics being held in the UK. It will certainly be good for business and sport, let’s just hope we can get a good haul of medals to match it.
Andrew Jones MP, 01423 529614, andrew.jones.mp@parliament.uk www.andrewjonesmp.co.uk
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Posted by Barbara Stone, 07:47, Thu 5 July 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Andrew Jones,
it is great that this Olympic fever is spreading and giving people a boost after all the unpleasant happenings that frequent the universe, but please remember your folk whose problems seem trivial by comparison. I met you at the F.O.V.G day in Harrogate and have written to you concerning back streets and their very bad roads.(Harlow Moor Drive being the one I targeted). I would be grateful for your help in this matter.
Thank you Barbara Stone
21 Harlow Moor Drive, Harrogate North Yorkshire HG2 0JX
Posted by Leighton Regayre, 08:32, Thu 5 July 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
Your message makes it clear how out of touch you are with your constituency. Nearly everyone I speak to in our local area, including a number of business owners, are completely disinterested in the Games. People repeatedly claim that it has little to do with their daily lives.
You claim that the torch passing through our towns has provided a moral boost. That is of little benefit to the people out of work thanks to severe cuts in public spending, courtesy of your Conservative party.
Recent research such as "An Olympic legacy for all? The non-infrastructural outcomes of the Olympic Games for socially excluded groups (Atlanta 1996-Beijing 2008)" by Lynn Minnaert, published in Tourism Management, April 2012, and "Not all Olympic 'events' are good for the health just ask the previous occupants of the Manor Road Allotments" by Debbie Sadd, published in Perspectives in Public Health, March 2012, clearly show the some of the negative impacts of the Olympic Games on the broader society. These papers barely scratch the surface of the literature which indicates that on balance countries hosting the Games, lose out both financially and socially.
You, however, seem intent on supporting the rich minority. Again.
When will you start prioritising the needs of people in your constituency?