Doreen Lawrence and the Olympics

[PickandMixisthefuture]

Am I the only one who thinks it was very unreasonable and was rather bemused thought wtf on seeing Doreen Lawrence walking into the Olympic arena helping to carry the Olympic flag?! Has she done something to embody the spirit of the Olympics that I have missed? Did she win first prize at her primary school sports day when competitive sport at that level was allowed? She's not even an elected politician and I didn't see Dave or Boris in the arena. They stayed firmly in their seats where they belong. Also saw that woman from Liberty. Am in about the whole thing. Nice to see them when many of our previous Olympians had the 'starring' role of just standing around. Daley Thompson anyone?

Ali was there for his civil rights campaigning, alongside his boxing.

They were all chosen for their commitment and tenacity. Not for sport but for the sort of values associated with the spirit of fair play and integrity.

Your OP and the inane smilies is offensive.
Her son was set upon and murdered by a pack of wild animals. That woman, in the midst of her grief, spent two decades fighting for justice.
She fought against corruption, lethargy, aggression and hideous racism when she probably just wanted to crawl under her duvet and die.
She forced a massive, powerful organisation to change their ways.
She set up a trust to help young people achieve the dream her son was robbed of.
I admire her more than I can say.
She is dignified, strong and intelligent.
Who better qualified to carry the flag?

The 1896 Olympics weren't just about sport - they included marvels such as Town Planning and Poetry Reading.

Just thought I'd throw that in.

The 3 Olympic Ideals have never changed: Excellence, Respect, Friendship

Shaking head hard... Mrs Lawrence has fought tirelessly with such dignity for justice. I have so much respect for her.

SHAME ON YOU OP

Hello folks

Let's rein it in with the personal attacks, eh?

Thanks
MNHQ

There is no doubting Mrs L. None whatsoever.
But what has her fight for justice got to do with the Olympics.
There are LOADS of likewise motivated people whose efforts match the Olympic principles. Who have participated in Sport. It felt like politics were being forced into the Olympics rather than the other way round

fine - I think some of the views expressed here show extreme ignorance coupled with a large wiff of Daily Wail / right wing bigotry - is that better?

Delete the sodding thread then MNHQ.

Nah, keep your 50 shades of shite thanks!

shattered

No not nutter, thanks very much (and your use of that term tells me all I need to know) Deliberately inflammatory OP.

she IS BRITISH

HE DIED IN LONDON

HER campaign had a direct impact on policing IN LONDON

She embodies Olympic spirit

not sure what bit you don;t understand

I have also reported the thread and I am not going to entertain the OP with a response.

REPORTED AS A DISGRACE

YES I AM SHOUTING

shattered 'values' is not the same as 'politics'.

Do you not believe in freedom, liberty, justice, fairness? Which of Doreen Lawrence's values offends you?

The Olympics is not just about sport! The whole idea and ethos of the Olympic tradition are the concepts which apply to all people, in all countries, which bring out the best in all of us, the entire human race. Justice. Inclusiveness. Honour. Fairness, etc. The modern games is a medium through which the whole planet can come together for a common purpose, to strive for excellence and engender respect for others. It is unifying in a very divisive world.
The people asked to carry the flag represent these concepts as they embody them in the way they live their lives. They are an example to us all of the best that we can be in the pursuit of a common good.
This is why the Olympics are so important, why such ideas as having women on every team this year for the first time was flagged up in the speeches.
It's not about sport, it's about how you play the game, and is infinitely more important.
Phew!

That just needed to be said.

shattered.

Fair point. Those people will get their chance to exhibit the Olympic ideals playing their sports, or will have done so in past Olympics.

But the op is picking on DL. Not any of the other non sporting flag carriers.
Yeah far better have a sportsperson doing it because they are being so underrepresented in the Olympics arnt they

yes that is a brilliant question

what is it that offends you so much about this woman?

people have already explained to you about Olympic ideals and values, shown how she embodies them and why she was chosen

so what is the issue?

The op posted and legged it !
Gordy stop yelling.
I agree with all those bits about Doreen. Great woman.
Just there would have been better choices I'm sure.
I understand perfectly.
Have you ever participated in sport in a professional capacity?

I wonder if either OP or shattered have similar issues with the military carrying the flag up the hill?

Zombie is absolutely appalled at this thread.

She has had the great fortune to have met both Doreen Lawrence and Shami Chakrabarti and she can think of few other people who embody the spirit of coming together and striving for excellence whilst putting aside differences better than they do.

I am trying to say things in a way you might understand :)

who would you have chosen then ? who was missing?