London Olympics 2012… A gargantuan display of national talent and renewed support for all that is Britain. Or just a really expensive way of clogging up our busy capital and slowing down public transport? Our marketing intern Billy asks the question – Is PDD looking forward to the Olympics?
Featured image credit: London2012.com
Our people:
‘In contrast to my usually sunny demeanour I must admit that I am not looking forward to the Olympics. I live in one of the Olympic boroughs (Waltham Forest) and myself and my locality are going to be put under great stress thanks to the thousands of visitors we will have to the area. It’s going to feel like being the saddo friend who went to a festival with only a day pass who camps for the weekend – so close, but so far. On the other hand I think it is great that people have something to focus on when things for many are so bleak. I watched a video of Ben Parkinson carrying the Olympic torch by the cenotaph in my hometown of Doncaster and it was really emotional, so I guess there are two sides to it.’
“I actually think the Olympics are a huge platform for the athletes and the city itself. Of course, the tourism is going to be a big benefit and will help many smaller businesses and those pop-up restaurants for example, which is a good thing. I think the excitement of the whole event definitely outweighs the cons and from a sporting aspect, I’m excited to see the 100 metre sprint, it’s always fantastic. It will be interesting to see how the transport and all these factors are handled though.”
“An Olympics constrained by recession… just Britain’s luck! Our chance to show what we can do but with looming thoughts of ‘I wonder how much that cost?’ every time a firework goes off or Paul McCartney is dragged out to entertain a horde of tourists, it might be a bit more of a challenge to enjoy. But at the end of the day it’s happening, so whether we like it or not we might as well be into it!”
“I’m looking forward to it, yeah. I remember the Beijing one and I watched quite a bit of that here and there. I think it’ll actually start making me cycle to work which I’ve planned to do but never have. Although, that’s because I want to dodge all the people on public transport as opposed to start getting sporty and fit.”
“It’ll do wonders for Britain’s public image I think. It’s all encompassing as well, living in London means we can’t really get away from it so the anticipation and support I think is definitely building. I’ll be avoiding East London completely though, and public transport will become a bit of a nightmare. So in that sense, I have a mix between excitement and reservation. There’s been so much sponsorship around the Olympics and I think the advertising has really affected me emotionally. The P&G Ariel advert and the National Lottery ones about the child who grows up with the dream of becoming an Olympic athlete. It’s been powerful.”
Best Job | P&G London 2012 Olympic Games Film from Ad Eight creatieve communicatie on Vimeo.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I really enjoy sports and it’s promoting sport for young people and getting them active. But also because I’m going to many of the events! The whole family is going, so it’s a pretty big occasion and we’re excited. I’m going to the athletics, hockey, beach volleyball and modern pentathlon. It’s always been something that I’ve watched on TV, I followed the Beijing Olympics closely and I remember during the Olympics in Sydney I was there so it was very involving. I know the public transport will become a pain but it’s only for 2 weeks, so I don’t think it’s a huge issue. People should be fine”.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s been a really long wait for it to come round. I live in Stratford so we’ve had a clock there for ages which has been counting down the days. I remember when it was on thousands of days and now it’s almost here which is pretty exciting. The triathlon as well as the boxing is always great to watch. Coming from Stratford is obviously going to affect my journey to work but I just plan on leaving about an hour earlier and I should be fine. It’s only 2 weeks but then there’s the Paralympics after for another 2 weeks!”
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see it happen in London. It’s going to be a logistic pain but once it’s finished and you look back on it, it’ll be amazing. There’s lots going on and I’m personally really looking forward to the architecture of the places and the different venues around London. When it’s here everyone will feel involved, too many people are focusing on the bad things”.
“I am looking forward to it although I didn’t apply for any tickets. I’ve moved out of London now though so I’m missing out on the buzz a bit and my Mrs isn’t interested, the kids are very young so no one else in the house is too keen. Although a friend of mine is going on holiday and won’t be able to make it so I may end up going to the handball, which will be fun. As for the crowds I’m not really too bothered and just plan to roll with it. I am really looking forward to seeing the Olympic Village though, the architecture seems impressive from what I’ve seen”.
It’s clear that the Olympics in London will definitely have its benefits as well as its drawbacks. Some are looking forward to it, others are somewhat dreading it. Are you looking forward to the Olympics?