My first experiences of London 2012 took place on Saturday when I
went to indoor volleyball at Earls Court kindly thanks to England Volleyball. Great experience from start
to finish with the exception of the result of GB. Although it is worthwhile to identify how
quickly GB have risen from nowhere to compete in the games. I really don't
think the BBC are giving the team sports Volleyball, Basketball and Handball
enough recognition for the fact that the whole of the world plays these sports
not just the commonwealth like netball. The level of competitiveness is very
high and to stay in touch is one thing but to beat countries who have a deep
tradition is extreme difficult.
Wouldn't it be good if the main channel of the BBC on the early
evening programme instead of repeating what everyone knows what the cyclists
and rowers have done to also have a short feature on one of the team sports?
Every day in the first week the GB teams have been playing which could have
featured hockey or more on the women’s footballers etc. missed legacy
opportunity.
Back to Earls Court - thought I would take in the atmosphere
before going in and found a lovely little pub with Dutch, British and Italian
supporters all enjoying a pint and a pub lunch whilst watching our failed
attempt at winning the road race.
So we went to Earls Court later than the 90 mins in advance - sailed
through security like an early morning flight at Birmingham airport and took
our seats after a little poor direction from one steward. Sat back and enjoyed
the games. Although majority of the crowd were British it was great to feel the
different culture to an indoor team sport - the eastern European whistling to a
level I had not heard since I saw basketball in Barcelona.
Earls Court was well branded and with more than adequate
refreshment facilities reasonably priced.
left after the second game straight out into the station with the
barriers up and on to train - quick meal in London just off Regents Street next
door to where they took the photo of David Bowie for the cover of Ziggy
Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and off to the train.
The trains were a really good price and all in all a great day
out.
