ON THE WALLABY- 16th March 2006

LET THE GAMES BEGIN AND BRITAINS LEGACY TO THE WORLD SHOWS THROUGH .

”The success of one life should not be judged by the level to which they rose but by the obstacles they overcame in getting there – Booker T Washington

For starters, I am a Republican.

Having said that, my great belief in the British Empire and what it has given the world was very much re-enforced watching last nights spectacular opening to the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Sure, some of the 71 nations competing, all former members of “British Rule” were small with their economies probably less than that of NSW in gross size, but as the quote of Booker T Washingtons says, “it’s the obstacles they have overcome” to even be here.

I know of any other nation that has had vast overseas colonial holdings and having lost them, still can create an event where former colonies compete and enjoy both each other and “The Old Country”.

As an adjunct also to previous OTW’s regarding “the Australian attitude”, I am confident that many overseas athletes and visitors will leave these shores with a real bonus in having seen and experienced what Australians are all about.

Her Majesty, as she does with myself and for many others, never ceases to astound me with her intellect and capacity for work and I was pleased to see that God Save the Queen was sneaked into the ceremony after all the brouha.

Here’s to a great Commonwealth Games- and Australia winning the Rugby 7’s gold medal!!

Carpe diem

Tony

Tony Fountain

Professional Speaker, auctioneer and author

Sydney NSW Australia

If you would like to subscribe a friend or colleague to these free “On the Wallaby” email bulletins, click here and place their email address in the subscription box .