Jane’s Olympic Journal Day 16: London 2012 — Inspiring a Generation on the Playground

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August 12, 2012

Since landing in London, two themes have been articulated in signs and in the ceremonies. The first:  Faster, Higher, Stronger.  Whether watching on television at home, in a pub, or online, or in person, the Olympics have been jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, breathtaking and over the-top  magnificent.   

The second theme: Inspire a Generation. Various BBC reports explored the Olympic theme , and how the country would help encourage and support sports for young people. But the idea is not just for the UK, it’s something that might be  happening organically — theme or not.  They are not just words, or a call to action, but a summary of what the games could do, and are doing.  No matter what generation you are from, you can’t help but be inspired. What’s equally encouraging, is to hear from the little ones and their families who I found walking down the street, or playing in a quiet Stratford playground I’ve passed by every day.

Here is a vignette of those conversations.