The Olympic Village is sprinkled with colourful flags and signs, and some countries have made such a fantastic effort to make themselves stand out.
This, I am sure, gives the athletes pride and confidence.
Croatia
The most obvious is Team Croatia’s flag. It dominates the side of a whole building, and every athlete, official and guest in the Village will see it on their way to the main dining room as well as when the athletes head to the transport up to catch their buses to the venues to train and compete.
I wonder if this is deliberate!
Australia
Then of course the Australian office and athletes’ accommodation…
It a big team of 410 athletes and 319 officials and a smooth running operation with a main reception area.
The Canadians
…have a bit of a tourist attraction in the Village:
New Zealand
The Kiwis have ‘thread’ their fern through the windows…
The Netherlands
And the Dutch have made their balconies orange. Has anyone ever suggested they change their flag to an orange one?
Great Britain
Team GB has a large representation at their home Games, and William, Kate and Harry visited them this week.
They are located near the entrance to the Village…
…again, so everyone coming and going gets to see them, and they have a superb view of the Stadium and the Olympic Park. Cleverly thought out and inspirational!
Greece
The Greeks have their accommodation in a building with etchings of Greek gods and legends. I am sure this too was deliberate.
The Olympic Village is the most multi-national place I am sure I will ever find myself, unless I ever get to a sitting in the General Assembly at the United Nations. But I am sure this is way more fun and thrilling, and of course the hugest of privileges.
16 August 2012
