It was a heroes welcome when Team GB touched down at Heathrow airport whilst triumphantly belting out the national anthem. With them they brought home a final total of 67 medals; 27 of which were gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze.
We are the first nation to win more medals immediately after a home games. We have beaten China for the first time since they re-joined the Olympic Games in 1984. And we have won more medals across more sports than any other nation. Team GB well and truly deserve every single second of glory that we, a genuinely proud home nation, throw at them.
And we are already looking ahead to Tokyo 2020 with an increase for Team GB secured for the next Olympic cycle. And of course, the great British public deserve praise for the crucial role they have played. Not only do we offer the greatest fans in the world (slight bias but who cares), but also through National Lottery and Government funding. A staggering £274m was spent on supporting Team GB in Rio. In my opinion the National Lottery was one of the best things that John Major’s government did, especially when it comes to sport funding.
Both grassroots and elite sport were able to benefit hugely from national lottery funding. And whilst it is right to celebrate our success at elite sport, after all it is the very top levels which do so much to inspire; we must also take advantage of our success to encourage grassroots sport and crucially, make sure that this time it lasts.
Over the summer I have visited a number of fantastic local examples of grassroots sport in action. And I’m not just talking about young sports teams (although I do lots to support them too) but also the clubs who encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved. Last week it was 5-side football with Swindon Mind, utilising sport as a way to help both mental and physical well-being. This week it was walking netball at the Haydon Centre with all ages (up to 81!) participating. I was also proud to present a charity cheque to Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, where people with painful conditions including arthritis and back pain, as well as long-term disabilities are able to use the swimming pool to help with mobility.
I have therefore managed to see the power of sport in action throughout the summer. From our exceptional Team GB athletes (who I blame for a number of unintended late nights!) to wonderful local champions here in Swindon who are opening sport up to the benefit of everybody in society, from disabled people to disadvantaged youngsters. People still ask why I am so passionate about sport; need I say more!
Justin's Summer of Sport
