Give the young a sporting chance, despite all politics

10:57am Monday 7th April 2008

POLITICS and sport look set to mix with great rancour between now and the completion of the summer Olympics in Beijing.

Repression in Tibet presents China with a massive public relations problem at a time when the Chinese government seeks to impress the world with its efficient organisation of the Games. I have read that hundreds of young Chinese women - all taller than 5ft 6in to show the usherette uniform off to best effect - have been put through intensive training which stresses that smiling is obligatory at all times.

You suspect that those running a tight and sometimes ruthless regime will be doing their own smiling through gritted teeth as the drama unfolds.

The first act involves pro-Tibet protests at various stages as the Olympic flame makes its way from Greece to Beijing.

Organisers of the 2012 Games planned for our capital city will be watching it all nervously because there is a real chance that our great sporting occasion will also become a focus for protest.

I have some sympathy and admiration for the young people who are prepared to draw attention to China's record in Tibet, but other youngsters - those who have trained hard - deserve the chance to compete.

There will always be those who call for boycotts in China, England or wherever.

My personal hope is that the Games continue to flourish - and that politicians listen to the voices on the streets.

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