FabSwingers.com forum: The Olympics

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

A report published this morning has the games at a cost of a little over £8.7b

Value for money?

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"A report published this morning has the games at a cost of a little over £8.7b

Value for money?"
yes

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By *b430Man
over a year ago

Tayside

"A report published this morning has the games at a cost of a little over £8.7b

Value for money?"

Yes!

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"A report published this morning has the games at a cost of a little over £8.7b

Value for money?

Yes!"
we agree again

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By *b430Man
over a year ago

Tayside

"A report published this morning has the games at a cost of a little over £8.7b

Value for money?

Yes!

we agree again

Aye it seems so

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

yes definitely

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By *abloBackMan
over a year ago

London

Yes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Let's see what the profit is before commenting, long as we at least break even then it's worth it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Three weeks ago I'd have said no, but the Games has won me over so it's a resounding yes from me, well worth the money, and we've shown the world that even in tough economic times there are some things that just shouldn't be scrimped on. If we recoup half of what has been spent then that's a bonus but we should really be looking at it as though the money has gone and that's that. We won't have done the way we Brits are perceived around the world any harm either, for too long we've been seen as U.S. puppets but this has shown the world we're a magnificent nation with or without the Americans.

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By (user no longer on site)
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Yes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

yes money well spent

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By *andKCouple
over a year ago

Norfolk

Absolutely

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By *ashful BazMan
over a year ago

poole dorset

Yes, and I've downed Tools until it's finished.

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By *phroditeWoman
over a year ago

(She/ her) in Sensualityland

" Yes, and I've downed Tools until it's finished.

Good for you

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By *ashful BazMan
over a year ago

poole dorset

" Yes, and I've downed Tools until it's finished.

Good for you

I need a rest, I'm getting too old for this game.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

they're recouping the money with the cost of the food inside the stadium according to my uncle, £7 odd for a beer, robbing bastards!

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By *abloBackMan
over a year ago

London

Foreigners love coming here, we are know for being friendly and welcoming to tourists

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Foreigners love coming here, we are know for being friendly and welcoming to tourists"
As was graphically depicted when we welcomed a Malaysian student in the riots.......!

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By *abloBackMan
over a year ago

London

It was done with love

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By *abioMan
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

absolutely it is worth it..... almost from a sense of national pride it has given the county... it in not jingoistic at all it have been really pleasant to see.....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Would prefure to spend it on the games than bail out Spain and Greece

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"absolutely it is worth it..... almost from a sense of national pride it has given the county... it in not jingoistic at all it have been really pleasant to see....."
Good point. However the RBS poasted half year losses of a little over £1.5b in the first half of 2012. Given they reposessed 1023 houses in the last year and filed for over 370 small firm insolvencey orders in the same accounting period could the money be better used?

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By *abloBackMan
over a year ago

London

Every penny spent on the Olympics is one that can't be spent on the euro

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

Yes, this money could have been spent on other things but the money really wouldn't have been 'found' for those other things.

96% of the money spent on suppliers for the Opening Ceremony was spent on British suppliers. That is investment.

The feelgood factor these Games have engendered is so far removed from the feeling in the country this time last year as the riots were building.

I heard today that independent Trust and corporate charity funders are planning to build a fund to invest in community sports to keep the Olympic spirit going with the young people inspired by these Games.

Britain has shown it can do ceremony without it all being Beefeaters and palaces.

The volunteers have been so motivated they are looking at volunteering for other things after the Games. (And, as an aside on the volunteers all recruited and trained on time and turning up for no financial reward and yet G4S couldn't do the same for immense profit.)

Yes, there have been issues (G4S, empty seats and empty shops) but they have all been dealt with quickly and efficiently for the most part.

The same amount of money could have been spent on lots of projects but it would never reach and touch as many as this investment has.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Absolutely yes..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Three weeks ago I'd have said no, but the Games has won me over so it's a resounding yes from me, well worth the money, and we've shown the world that even in tough economic times there are some things that just shouldn't be scrimped on. If we recoup half of what has been spent then that's a bonus but we should really be looking at it as though the money has gone and that's that. We won't have done the way we Brits are perceived around the world any harm either, for too long we've been seen as U.S. puppets but this has shown the world we're a magnificent nation with or without the Americans."

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

yes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wasn't in favour of us hosting the olympics but hope im wrong. And it looks like i am and im pleased

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By *atisfy janeWoman
over a year ago

Torquay

It appears to have lifted the sprits of the nation.....so yes....money well spent.

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"It appears to have lifted the sprits of the nation.....so yes....money well spent.

"
I wasnt so keen pre opening ceremony but i loved every minute of that and i get a tingling n goosebumps when we are in a final n up for a medal, its great....loved the shooting the other day...nearly wet my pants, made a right show of myself in the pub, shouting lol

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By *atisfy janeWoman
over a year ago

Torquay

They reckon in excess of 200,000 ticket holders visited the Olympic Village today....and half as many again non ticket holders who just wanted to be in the area to experience the Olympic buzz.

Some good news in the country for once.

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"They reckon in excess of 200,000 ticket holders visited the Olympic Village today....and half as many again non ticket holders who just wanted to be in the area to experience the Olympic buzz.

Some good news in the country for once.

"
its great to see so many union flags also

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Dunno but just ate two gold medals, they were well worth the money.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Before the games started i couldnt be bothered about it but everyday is building up more and more, decided to get tickets for the semi-final womans match at old trafford for monday even tho its not gb plus got some tickets for the Paralympic games which should be amazing.

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By *bbandflowCouple
over a year ago

South Devon

Yes, they are a total roller coaster of emotions that have done much to restore a sense of national pride and unity.

It has been so refreshing to witness the dedication, honesty and humility of athletes who seem to be so grounded, so far removed from the celebrity culture, disconnected from reality, that sadly we have become accustomed to.

If that sense of perspective is restored, recognising success is achieved by hard work and sacrifice, then it's money well spent.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

2 weeks ago, I'd have told you to shove the Olympics firmly where the sun doesn't shine (despite actually looking forward to them beforehand). The traffic chaos was utterly shocking. But fair credit to the powers that be, they realised the errors of their ways and rectified them quickly.

Since then, it's been an almost never ending upward spiral of euphoria. The crowds have been utterly amazing, and I personally thank each and every one of them. Not only for the home support that they've shown, but towards other nations too. Seeing the crowds banging the hordings on the home straights of the cycling time trials for each and every rider was incredible.

Financially we may not break even, but in so many other respects, we'reso very far "ahead" that's been worth every penny.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I forgot to add on my last post that the other good thing has been that this money has been spent over the last 7 years and some still to spend after changing the venues. Without that investment how much worse would the economy have been, particularly for the construction trade. Steel erectors, tunnellers and all sorts have had work. The work hasn't all been in London and the skills used have come from all parts of the UK.

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By *irtydanMan
over a year ago

Blackpool

got to say im loving it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Loving it also.... It think it has brought us all together after all the shocking news of terrorists etc...... Well done Team GB you are doing us proud !!

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By *XimagesCouple
over a year ago

north liverpool

Yeah luvin it and checking the updates help break up the work day

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"they're recouping the money with the cost of the food inside the stadium according to my uncle, £7 odd for a beer, robbing bastards!"
.....£4.70....

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

[Removed by poster at 04/08/12 10:50:20]

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

£4.30 for a bottle from one of the wandering sales people. £4.70 for a pint from one of the static stands. Let's face it, its London, those prices are about right,

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By *ucky_LadsCouple (MM)
over a year ago

Kidderminster+ surrounding areas.

"They reckon in excess of 200,000 ticket holders visited the Olympic Village today....and half as many again non ticket holders who just wanted to be in the area to experience the Olympic buzz.

Some good news in the country for once.

its great to see so many union flags also "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tra and I both work in London. Despite not looking forward to it it's been ok. The traffic isn't as bad as people expected,the transport system is coping (in some cases better than usual) and people in the city seem to be more upbeat about everything. London is a happier place!! who'd have thought it?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If it is considered value for money or a big financial loss what will happen after it is all over, all those buildings etc that has been poured into it

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

you can get water for £1-60 within the park and there are many drinking water points to top up..

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

"If it is considered value for money or a big financial loss what will happen after it is all over, all those buildings etc that has been poured into it"

They'll be used by the people who live in and visit London.

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By *XimagesCouple
over a year ago

north liverpool

Would be great if we could use the facilities after for an annual 'GB Games' event, might help develop sporting talent and keep in the public eye.

Wish they had been able to integrate the Paralympians fully into the Olympic events so they could share the whole experience and the massive crowds

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Would be great if we could use the facilities after for an annual 'GB Games' event, might help develop sporting talent and keep in the public eye.

Wish they had been able to integrate the Paralympians fully into the Olympic events so they could share the whole experience and the massive crowds"

Some of the venues are permanent and will be open for public use after the Games. The whitewater rafting venue will be open and so will the aquatics centre, for instance. We're still waiting to hear which football team will take on the stadium but the plan has always been that whoever takes it on has to preserve the running track for athletics use. Some are supposed to be temporary... but so was the Dome.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Would be great if we could use the facilities after for an annual 'GB Games' event, might help develop sporting talent and keep in the public eye.

Wish they had been able to integrate the Paralympians fully into the Olympic events so they could share the whole experience and the massive crowds"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Let's see what the profit is before commenting, long as we at least break even then it's worth it."

Is a profit the only way to determine if something is a success?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The whitewater venue has been open to the public for months and will reopen not long after the games. In addition to those you mention, the velodrome will be open to the public next year and I think the world championships are due to be held there within the next few years. The grounds will also be changed, there will be a road and off road cycling circuits as part of the legacy agreement. Other venues like Eton are well established

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Would be great if we could use the facilities after for an annual 'GB Games' event, might help develop sporting talent and keep in the public eye.

Wish they had been able to integrate the Paralympians fully into the Olympic events so they could share the whole experience and the massive crowds

"
There is a legacy company set up to try and get the facilities into the private sector realm. The question was really can we as a country spend that kind of money when we are in a £160b of debt?

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

There is a legacy company set up to try and get the facilities into the private sector realm. The question was really can we as a country spend that kind of money when we are in a £160b of debt?"

I know about the legacy work - I even did some of the research for it a few years ago. My answer is another question... £160bn of debt and NOT spending has led to more debt. How much worse would it be if this money hadn't been spent?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

There is a legacy company set up to try and get the facilities into the private sector realm. The question was really can we as a country spend that kind of money when we are in a £160b of debt?

"
The concentration of spending in say 5% of the total country on specialised capital projects would not impact on the economic multiplier. Lets say £4b was spent on transport infrastcture and £4b on social housing would that not be of a greater common good?

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By *ixson-BallsMan
over a year ago

Blackpool

yes...

I cheered when London was awarded the olympics...

i've looked forward to the olympics

and i'm enjoying every passion filled moment of the olympics...

one of the best 8.7 billion pounds spent

c'mon team GB

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

The concentration of spending in say 5% of the total country on specialised capital projects would not impact on the economic multiplier. Lets say £4b was spent on transport infrastcture and £4b on social housing would that not be of a greater common good?"

The infrastructure work has been wider than London. If I thought £4bn would have been used on social housing and building affordable homes then I would agree with you but that was never on the cards. I know people don't like the fact that the infrastructure support has been on London but it has a knock-on effect to other parts of the country. The point I was making is that the multiplier effect has meant additional funds have been brought, from sponsors and match-funding, to complete projects that would never have started. The work streams have been delivered across the UK and not just in London. An example of this is steel erection. London is not the 'home' of steel erection, the north is. Those industries have had work and their people have been employed.

True, Westfield was long into the planning stages before the Games were won but the co-terminosity of the developments was not accidental.

Now, if we can come up with a scheme to spend that money on social housing, where there is time imperative, the world looking on to ensure that the politicians are motivated to see it through and match-funding and sponsorship can be found then I will put as much effort into promoting that as the Games has had.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

+1 to that Wishy. Actually, I think we will recoup a load more than the bare cost of the games, but it won't be measurable as it will be in terms of a better reception overseas for British businesses etc, all of which won't show up on any set of Government stats...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You can't put a price on some things and the Olympics is one of those!

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By *G LanaTV/TS
over a year ago

Gosport

"Every penny spent on the Olympics is one that can't be spent on the euro"

Given that we can't allow the Euro to collapse as it would have disastrous knock on effects for sterling we will continue propping that up. Therefore every pound spent on the Olympics will at least in the short term ever be a pound on our debt or another pound added to the cuts elsewhere. I eagerly wait to see if it turns out to be positive for the UK economy in the middle and long term and if those benefits get distributed to the general population although I guess we will never really know on the last point.

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