Olympic Games: An Inspiration for Generations to Come

11 February 2011 

Lane4's Matt Rogan speaks to The Independent about how the Olympic Games could spark a lasting cultural rejuvenation.

The article, which is available to read in full here, also includes interviews with Dame Kelly Holmes, Adam Whitehead - the former European and Commonwealth champion swimmer, Sean Hastings - vice president of product and marketing at Speedo, Dr David Fletcher from Loughborough University and a spokesman for the London Organising Comittee. Each suggests what they hope will be the lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games.

An extract from the article, below:

London 2012 will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for the country and could lead to an unprecedented haul of medals as home support kicks in. But the biggest legacy won't be the brand new facilities or sparkling medals but the inspiration of this generation to be more active and have a healthier lifestyle.

Increased fitness levels could save the country billions of pounds in health costs. Many are hoping 2012 could have even more profound social impacts. The Olympic Games embodies a range of qualities - honesty, integrity, perseverance and fair play - that are all too often lacking in modern life. "It's going to create a new breed of icons in this country, more wholesome and inspirational than pop stars or disgraced footballers," says Matt Rogan, co-author of Britain and the Olympic Games, Past, Present, Legacy (Troubador Publishing £15.99). "It's not like the instant fame of X Factor. It's about hard work, motivation and picking yourself up when you get knocked back. These are valuable lessons for young people."

Read the article in full here.

2011-02-11