Sporty London

So, here I am still applying and applying to grad schemes and one question came up in the Engine graduate application about London 2012:
The government has budgeted £9.3 billion for London 2012. Do you think it will be worth it?

Totally being cheeky, I kind of turned it around and used it write about the Brits and their identity issues.

Answer:
It is interesting to examine how ‘worth’ is defined in this case. On a certain Anglo-French rivalry level, the triumph of hosting the Olympics 2012 in London over Paris is already a success. But would the French also draft such a generous budget? Part of the absurd amount of money being spent on these Olympics comes subconsciously from the need to prove to the world the English truly are patriotic. The Brits have been criticised for losing their sense of identity. This opportunity can be seen as a chance to show the world who Britain really is.

Yes, I believe the budget for the London games will be worth it from an infrastructural point of view. More jobs will be created, as well as an attempt to make the city of Stratford into a grand metropolis to be used thoroughly after the Games. Sponsors can’t wait to get a piece of the fun. However, from a pride and cultural point of view, I don’t think much will change. The British will be patriotic in supporting Team GB, but in terms of redefining their sense of identity I’m afraid I do not believe this exceptionally large budget will be worth it.