An Extraordinary Dream
The London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony was a fabulous celebration in music of
Great Britain's Olympics – an internationally acclaimed, historic Olympics
crammed with excellence from it's conception and development to 17 memorable
days of sport. John Lennon's Imagine striking it's chord for humanity reminded
us we all have it in us to be dreamers. And what fantastic dreams we've seen
come true during the games especially from Team GB; and what more will unfold in
the coming Para-Olympics. Along with some great songs of The Kinks, The Who,
Queen, Jesse Jay, Elbow and many others, this glittering musical showcase handed
the torch of success to the next host; the next games; the next generation who
will dare to dream the unimaginable: that they can.
Extraordinary achievements most often start with a dream. Then it takes
stepping-stones of creativity, high aims, hard work and determination, with
courage never far, and the occasional leap-of-faith in yourself a given.
Remember the passionate bid team including
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Seb Coe, Becks, Denise Lewis, Sue Barker, Tony Blair and 31 young teenagers
putting a face to London's dream to host 2012. And Nelson Mandela's prophetic
words “...no better place than London to hold an event that unites the
world...”. Then, despite the doom-sayers and cynics, emerged the beautiful
Olympics park, well-oiled organisation, and creative Opening Ceremony all making
their indelible impression for what followed: the incredible games with Team GB's incredible
part in it.
Many athletes spoke of their ordinary backgrounds with mums and dads, loved ones
and coach's unfailing support for their dream. They all spoke of dedicated,
disciplined, daily preparation over four years or more. None were doing it for
fame or fortune. None sought approval from a dragon. None to be the last
apprentice standing. Instead, from many backgrounds, colours, religions, and
financial circumstances, their true wealth simply comes from one thing: that
they gave years trying their best to become the best they could be in their
field. And on the day they were the best they
could be, in the moment, in their attempt to
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achieve human excellence. Ordinary
people: Extraordinary achievement. One small moment of inspiration often takes a
long journey to extraordinary achievement.
“...[our destiny] is not in our stars, but in ourselves...”
Shakespeare - Julius Caesar
Great Britain's “People’s Olympics” brought to mind that
ordinary people fulfilling extraordinary dreams, in many walks of life, is
something that too often gets drowned out by the noise of crisis, austerity,
politics, and the cynical. But it seemed especially emotional, uplifting and
inspiring to see these dreams - from our own home towns to distant lands across
the globe - unfold before our eyes here at London 2012. And the closing music,
recalling the success of Britain's pivotal pop-culture since the Beatles and the
formative sixties, now aptly acknowledged the 2012 Olympians and their part in
Britain's pivotal London 2012.
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