The bargain of the century

At the time of writing this column details are still unclear as to the cause of the explosions and the level of casualties. Rather than speculate, it is a subject perhaps best left until clearer facts are known. Instead, I shall reflect on the happier events of Wednesday.

I'm sure many people have memories of being inspired after watching the Olympics on television.

My most vivid memory is of Lillian Board, who won the 400m silver for Great Britain at the 1968 Mexico Olympics when she was just 20.

Inspired by Lillian and by the incredible Mark Spitz - who won seven swimming golds at the 1972 Olympics - I took up competitive sport and was chosen for the Great Britain water polo team. We had hopes of making it to the Olympics but it wasn't to be.

Sport is not only good fun, it keeps you fit and can teach you so much about life - discipline, concentration, team work and how you accept success and failure.

But the Lillian Board story extended beyond sport. Sadly, just two years after the Olympics, Lillian was struck down by cancer and died. A lesson that you just never know what's round the corner, her death taught me how important it is to seize the day.

That is certainly what Lord Coe and his team have done. Securing the 2012 games is on a par with England winning the 1966 World Cup.

Success has already given the country a massive boost and promises an economic bonanza in terms of regeneration and tourism. But the most important benefit of the Olympics may not become apparent for many years.

In classrooms we can now use 2012 as a focus to concentrate young minds on sport and the Olympic ideal. A whole generation can come to appreciate the importance of respect, fair play and healthy living and, hopefully, take this on into their adult lives.

The boost that could give our health service, the fight against anti-social behaviour and society in general will make the cost of the 2012 Olympics the bargain of the century.

WhilE Tony Blair's recent performances have been statesmanlike, the same cannot be said of Louise Casey - the national director of the anti-social behaviour unit.

In one of those "you couldn't make it up" episodes, Ms Casey reportedly joked about binge drinking and various other social ills during an after dinner speech to senior police officers and Home Office officials.

I have met Ms Casey and found her to be refreshingly enlightened when it comes to reducing anti-social behaviour and crime. She correctly identified some years ago that giving to beggars in the street, rather than recognised charities, encourages homelessness, drug abuse and crime.

Her comments were ill-advised but the fact they were made a month ago and yet the secret tape recording has only just been circulated suggests someone has been waiting for the moment to inflict maximum damage to her career.

Mr Blair has enough on his mind at the moment but at some point he will have to decide what to do with Ms Casey. I hope he keeps her in post and implements some of her ideas. He might also give her a few tips on public speaking.

Published: 08/07/2005