Let the sports legacy run on (From Gazette & Herald)

Let the sports legacy run on

10:00am Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Columnists By Lindsay Burr

IF you’re a sports enthusiast or not, you must be proud to be British at this moment.

The London 2012 Olympics have been spectacular and winning is very cool at the moment. If, like me, you were not lucky enough to get any tickets, I’m sure you will agree the TV coverage has been just amazing and our medal tally is awesome for such a small country.

When I was at school, sport was one of my favourite subjects and I loved all aspects of sport. I even ran for our county as a cross-country finalist which was great fun, but sport at that time was only a hobby and not seriously encouraged.

I am particularly delighted to see at this Olympics many more women involved in the sport and doing so well. Equality in the sport for men and women has improved so much, with all countries including women in their teams now.

Women are winning because of their pure talent and not gender.

Jess Ennis is a truly inspirational winner becoming the Olympic Heptathlon Champion in true style.

I’m sure she personally will inspire many.

The message of the London 2012 Olympics is to inspire a next generation and I honestly think it will, with youngsters aspiring to have that “can do” attitude.

They will also be in awe of the fastest man on Warth, Usain Bolt, who ran 100m in 9.63 seconds! He is the lightening bolt.

I honestly hope that on the back of the last two weeks’ sporting success, the Government will realise just how good sport is for all and they will ensure that we have a clear inclusive schools sports policy for all, that we ensure we have the infrastructure in place to train our young athletes and have clear policies in place for the non-removal of school playing fields or sports grounds to build houses on.

This truly historic 2012 event can only be a catalyst of great things to come. We look forward to a bright future.

Å Recently, we made our annual Saturday night visit into Pickering town centre.

Although the weather was not brilliant, spirits certainly were not dampened as hundreds of people lined the streets to greet the magnificent engines, along with their drivers into town.

Every year the event is looked forward to by huge crowds and wellmarshalled by local police. It is a true spectacle.

The sight, sound and potent smell of those engines is so evocative it’s something not to be missed and is a treasured event held in the heart of Pickering town once a year.

The main four-day event, held just outside Pickering, yet again was a huge success for Ryedale. Long may it last.