Sporting chance

IT IS now only a year until the eyes of the world turn to Britain for the London Olympics. What will surely be the biggest event ever staged in the country will not only be a showcase for the capital but also for the talents and attractions of other parts of the country.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Jul 2011, 07:00 BST

Yorkshire is well placed as host to a number of teams and of course boasts competitors ranging from Jessica Ennis, who is shaping to be face of the games for Team GB, to 13-year-old Danielle Bailey, from Otley, who is hoping to qualify for the Paralympics despite beginning to swim seriously litle more than a year ago.

The teenager lost all four of her limbs to meningitis when she was aged just four – but her example overcoming nerves to get into the pool should be an inspiration to all. Even those who are not athletes can get involved in a range of Olympic cultural events organised in the region linking cricket and poetry and synchronised swimmers with dance.

For the games will be judged not just on the success of British sport, but what they bring to the whole country – not to mention their legacy in the years ahead.