With the media spotlight firmly on sport, Marie O’Connor (@MMOC) shares her views on our Olympic legacy…

I recently took part in the second of the four Sale Sizzle 5km series along with over 500 competitors. This follows me issuing a press release regarding the Thwaites netball team competing at the UK Corporate Games alongside 4,500 participants and ahead of the Pudsey 10km run which I took part in on Sunday. However, it would seem that we’re a minority of active people, with new research stating that 63% of Brits are not doing the recommended amount of physical exercise.

The Lancet Medical Journal has strategically published the results days before the greatest sporting event on earth. A very wise move indeed. It has made me think though, in a time where the media is firmly focused on building up to the London 2012 Olympics with numerous sport documentaries (Victoria Pendleton: Cycling’s Golden Girl, Can Anyone Beat Bolt?), what legacy will the games leave in terms of sporting participation amongst the likes of you and me?

As both a runner and hockey player (at grass roots level) I cannot express enough the benefits of participating in sport. From improving health and self-esteem to providing an active social scene, taking part in sport is extremely rewarding on so many levels.

So,  I for one truly hope that following the London 2012 Olympics more people are inspired and encouraged to get involved in sport, not just because of the benefits highlighted above, but by each and every one of us participating in a sporting activity the Olympic legacy will most certainly live on and that’s most definitely something we should all be a part of.

Not sure where to start? Then check out the below:

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