GAME ON

Do I get the impression that some sections of the British media would like to see the London Olympics as a dismal failure? The eyes of the world are on London and it must be said that the facilities for the Games have been completed on target, on time and on budget. But this has received little attention. The fact that a private security company was unable to supply the necessary private security guards was the big story of the week. In the end an additional 3'000 troops have been drafted in to provide security. I don´t know why the army wasn´t charged with most of the security for the games in the first place. It makes sense. London beat off stiff competition from Madrid and Paris to win the games back in 1996. But I have always really doubted whether London really wanted the Games. The fact that a sizeable part of East London has been redeveloped and billions of pounds invested on improving transport and facilities across London appears to have been missed by many. I sincerely hope that the London Olympics are the best ever and organisers prove all the doubters wrong. The International Olympic Committee has already said that it is satisfied with the security arrangements for the games and is also pleased with all the facilities which have been built. This is almost a once in a lifetime moment for London to show the world what it can achieve. I sincerely hope that the London Olympics will be the best ever.