After a long and rainy day on Thursday, waking up to the sun peeking through the window was a pleasant surprise. We ate a quick breakfast, and headed over to the Faraday House, where we met Charlie Foreman, who conveyed to us that sport has the power to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, languages, and cultural differences.
Charlie was the Chief Olympic and Paralympic Officer of the London Borough of Hackney for the 2012 Olympic Games. Charlie provided us with an inside track of information about London before, during, and after the Olympics. Particularly, his focus was on the social implications of the Olympics, and really trying to connect the community with the games so they felt like the mattered.
Going into some of the history, the 2012 Olympics cut through four out of the 32 boroughs in London, and they really strived to connect the West, more wealthy area of London, with the East, more poor areas. The planning and strategic management that goes into hosting the Games is huge; years and years of planning is vital.
One last interesting point that Charlie discussed was the power of kids in sport, and their involvement in the Olympics. London implemented a program in which elementary school kids promote physical activity and well being through sport in order to raise self esteem. This goes back to the power of sport, and how we can all feel involved, important, and connected in a way that is fun and exciting.
After visiting Syracuse University at London, we headed over to the Borough Market, which was very fun. Between the free food, and restaurants it was a really cool experience. The long, scenic walk from the market to the London Eye was very entertaining. We were able to see some of the London locals interacting with the performers along the walkway as we strolled along.
Well, that sums up the day
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