A real legacy

As the Olympics start this weekend, I am filled with mixed emotions. Excitement for the sporting spectacle ahead. Hope that the British competitors will succeed with personal bests and medals. Anticipation for the Games in 2012 as Britain becomes the host country. But most importantly for those of us who believe that sport can be a force for a good in the world, breaking down barriers, I hope that the Beijing Games will lead to greater openness in Chinese society, promote greater freedom of expression for the Chinese people, and encourage greater co-operation with the countries of the world.

Sport and the Olympics cannot in themselves solve all problems of repression and human rights in China, but they can certainly help. I hope that will be the real legacy of these Games.