Hymn for the Olympics

[londonchurchman]

Lots of cynicism and judgements here. Yes, for some people, the Olympics is about money - I've decided to be paid rather than volunteer (because I volunteer in other spheres, including at church). However, I don't think you can fairly say that Lord Coe, Princess Ann or even David Beckham are primarily motivated by money where the Olympics are concerned. Have a look at this: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/football/9274492/London-2012-Olympics-David-Beckham-hits-out-at-critics-saying-Team-GB-selection-would-be-commercial-stunt.html.

I don't want to derail this thread, but I wasn't talking about any of the people you mention: money will not be a motivator for them because they all already very rich, though I am sure their motives are completely honourable, especially Princess Anne who has done a lot behnd the scenes. I was talking about the corporate sponsorship, industry deals and tightly controlled franchising which is raking in a fortune for a few in the commercial sector, sometimes at the expense of the local residents in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham.

I think the church's involvement has been very good and proportionate and is focussing on helping young people to be inspired.

[JW]

Hi londonchurchman, I'm not sure we're on different sides here. People and corporations will always try to make money out of popular events and get prime access through sponsorship; is this wrong? I think it probably is, especially with tickets being so restricted. But if I were Coca Cola paying millions of sponsorship, I wouldn't want Pepsi on sale at the venues....

Wasn't there an issue with who got to meet the Pope on his visit and how much they contributed for the priviledge or was that access to David Cameron?

My point was that the Olympics is a good thing, even with the issues hanging around it.

[Nick Baty]

My point was that the Olympics is a good thing...

But almost impossible to avoid!

[festivaltrumpet]

I understood that the thread concerned a particular hymn rather than the merits or otherwise of the Games as a whole.

To return to the hymn: I fear Wesley has little competition from this quarter.

[musicus]

Thank you, FT. Let's all stay on topic, please.

[Peter Jones]

HYMN FOR THE OLYMPICS

Some will measure time or distance,
record speed or length or height;

"record" - as in "make a note of" (verb) - or "record" as in "new 100m Olympic Record" (noun) ?? The suggested popular tunes lean towards the latter. Wesley would not have been ambiguous, methinks.

[organist]

It looks like the verb Peter and as you say the suggested tunes push the accent the other way. I'm beginning to think this hymn is not that good!