If you're feeling blue that the London 2012 games are over, let the 'London 2012 effect' lift your spirits as the legacy of the Games continues to spiral across an inspired nation of sports enthusiasts.
Cycling in particular has seen an enormous surge of interest thanks to the likes of our medal-bearing heroes Sir Chris Hoy, and 'Queen' Victoria Pendelton. Local velodromes have been having to turn away eager young cyclists keen to have a go on the track, sales of bikes and cycling accessories have spiked since the Games and cycling networks of the future are being planned.
In Wales, sustainable transport group Sustrans Cymru says an integrated network of cycling routes needs to be properly established around Wales. It claims that £500m could be saved from NHS budgets by people keeping fit. The Welsh government is consulting on a proposed Active Travel Bill which would make councils set up network routes.
Online cycle retailer Fixed Gear Frenzy is just one retailer who has the Olympics to thank for a rise in visitors to its site. Sales from Friday July 27th to August 12th soared 138 per cent compared to the 17 days prior to the opening ceremony. At Proviz we have also seen a jump in visitors to our site since the end of the Games - long may the legacy continue!
The Government is also riding on the wave of the Olympics' success by integrating more plans for competitive and team sports into the new PE curriculum to be published in August.
Cameron announced last week proposals for primary age children and criticised schools for holding Indian dance classes instead. The prime minister, who is under fire for scrapping a target for pupils to do two hours of sport a week, said the new requirement would be included in the revised national curriculum.
What is your opinion on sports in schools? Do you think that children should be required to spend more time partaking in 'recognised and recognisable' sports that foster a sense of competitiveness?
