Parents, we now have a duty of care to continue the incredible impact of London 2012. No doubt, the summer Olympics and Paralympics have captured the imagination and inspired a generation, just as it said on the tin. It was certainly money well spent in my eyes.
But all the efforts of the athletes, organisers and volunteers will be wasted if we forget some important lessons learnt.
We have seen first-hand the importance of spirit, belief, teamwork, fair play, dedication, hard work, commitment and bravery. The list goes on …
Yes, we have some great memories, but we should all be striving for excellence and high standards all day, every day. Giving it your best shot, absolutely everything, whatever your ability.
The power of sport has brought us closer together as human beings. Respect and goodwill has returned to the streets of a city gripped by rioting little over 12 months ago.
We saw some incredible scenes at the Paralympics. It was a truly humbling experience to cover the event for the first time and I’d like to share some words of wisdom from American athlete Nicholas Taylor. I spoke to him after he pipped Shraga Weinberg to bronze in the Wheelchair Tennis playoff, coming from a set down.
"I have a severe disability," he told me, "but never for one minute has it stopped me doing what I love and know best. I take this into every match with me. When you’re losing, you must come up with a plan B. If you’re determined enough, there’s always ways around things. I’ve overcome all the odds to make it this far in life.
"My ethos is practice, practice and practice some more. I never know when I’m beaten. That’s my greatest quality."
Inspiring words from an incredible competitor and incredible man. I’m sure you’ll agree.
* Lots of you have been asking how my son fared in his first football league match. Well, it didn’t start well as he was injured in the warm-up following a collision with a teammate that left him with a nasty gash. Yes, another injury-prone Caro. No doubt BUPA will be rubbing their hands. However, there was a happy ending as he helped his teammates win 7-3. Some of you may have heard the screams when his plaster came off in the bath later that day, but he’s passed the fitness test and will be raring to go again on Sunday.