Congratulations to China

Congratulations to the Chinese on staging a spectacular opening ceremony for the Olympics. I have rarely seen anything so colourful. London 2012 will have to go some to beat it.

I have lost interest in the Olympics over the last decade or so, but for whatever reason feel a great sense of anticipation about these games. Maybe it's because Britain might actually win a few medals!

The articles in the papers today about the £7 million cost of sending 600 people to observe the Olympics are typical of those who seem to wish our 2012 bid ill. Of course we must send people out there to learn from the Chinese experience. We'd be failing in our duty if we didn't. It is ironic, though, that the government refused to fund a visit by Shadow Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt , and Hugh Robertson, the Shadow Olympics Minister. They've paid their own way (economy class).

I for one am looking forward to enjoying a fortnight of fantastic sport ... apart, that is, from the ridiculous spectacle of synchronised swimming!