Today marks the opening of a great time in UK sporting history and the opportunity to welcome the world to

our shores - and, in particular - to the world's most famous city.  There are "lies, damned lies and statistics"

and the politics of envy and disbelief.   But let us put them all aside for a few weeks while we marvel and

rejoice at the elevation of human aspiration in its finest endeavours, the incredible combination of effort

and excellence that celebrates the essence of the Olympics.  What does it really matter if "big business"

makes a profit or sponsors line their pockets?  They are enablers and deserve their part in helping to provide

this extraordinary event for the enjoyment and admiration of people across this old world of ours.

In closing, let me mention the Tour de France, the most famous annual single sporting event anywhere.

Every year towns and cities across France vigorously compete for the honour and privilege of playing host

to the various stages of its progress around their country.  Only rarely is there a dissenting voice - such as

that reported in 2001 when - echoing the communist traditions of one particular area - ONE dissonant

voice ( a woman) griped::

"How can Montlucon spend money hosting a stage of Le Tour when 30 per cent of the (local) inhabitants

still have outside toilets?".

I imagine there will always be that sort of dissent.  But, strange to say, life still goes on...and just today,

when interviewed on TV, the redoubtable Ken Livingstone stated that "40.000 new homes" and "50,000

new jobs" in a former "wasteland" in London's East End was something to celebrate in the longer term.

Amen - to that and to the legacy of this historic sporting and cultural occasion - organised here in the U.K.

for the world to enjoy!