Rising to the challenge (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Rising to the challenge

11:21am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Letters

Sir.–The weather has changed, the days are drawing in, the party conferences are over, the football season is well underway, the talk is still about the economy with everyone trading solutions – it’s as if the “Summer of Sport” did not happen.

There we were all gripped by a collective golden thread of excitement glued to the TV, getting excited as gold medals were thrown at us. Now as the rain falls on another gloomy evening, the routine of everyday life – making sure the kids get to school, waiting for a train on a windswept platform as we struggle to work, the weekly shopping – is the true stuff of our existence.

“London 2012” – the Olympics and inspirational Paralympics – is gone, put back in a box to be stored in the dusty warehouse of used memories.

Occasionally, a politician will mention something about the “legacy” of “the Games”, or a newspaper will do a feature article about the new “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park”, and oh yes, a couple of faces we cheered on in the summer are now dancing their way into our front rooms. Is that it?

As for the volunteer “Gamesmakers”, they have gone back to their homes and disappeared – their uniforms packed away perhaps coming out again for a reunion or a “fancy dress” party.

However, “we must not lose this collective endeavour” said someone during a party conference. “Is there not something these people can do in their communities?,” says another.

Volunteering is a very personal matter – so many people already do so much. Many would say they have no choice, particularly if they are part of that huge army of carers who do this on a daily basis.

Voluntary organisations large and small make an enormous contribution to the quality of life everywhere.

The important human things, our collective joy, our childlike screaming excitement at the conclusion of a close race, pride in the “Union Jack”, at being British – I believe these experiences are still very much alive in our minds.

And like any wedding reception or family occasion, the UK family will share “London 2012” for many years to come.

–Yinnon Ezra MBE 2012 Gamesmaker, Address supplied.