With the wonderful music from the spectacular London 2012 closing ceremony still ringing in everyone’s ears – not to mention the fireworks! – you may be wondering how best to make the most of the much talked about legacy that has been promised as a result of the games being hosted in London. While concentrating on getting all of our wooden toys in order ahead of the autumn shopping season, the WoodenToyShop team, much inspired by the brilliant efforts of the athletes from all nations, has been considering how best to harness the feel good factor that is buzzing around the office and indeed the country.
Rob from our team was lucky enough to be given a ticket to the swimming at the aquatic centre on the first Sunday of the games and enjoyed a wonderful day and night in the Olympic park. Rob’s overriding impression from his day was one of positivity, energy and friendliness. From the security staff, the brilliant representatives from our armed forces and police at the entry gate, through the games makers throughout the park, all the visitors from so many countries across the world and finally all of the competitors, there was so much to admire in the very warm welcome that everyone working at the games, in whatever capacity, offered to the visitors. Help and guidance was on offer everywhere you looked and always with a smile, a laugh and sometimes, yes, this is true, a song! The excitement felt by each and every visitor was matched by the energy and commitment of the volunteer games makers, for whom nothing was too much trouble. In the aquatic centre itself, the atmosphere was more like a rock concert than a swimming meet. Four gold medal races, two world records and a brilliant bronze from Briton’s Becky Adlington sent Rob home on a high.
When the swimmers are warming up, even the Olympic pool looks like your local leisure centre.Here at WoodenToyShop we hope that as a nation we can call carry forward this positivity, friendliness and energy and smile in the face of all of the troubles and negativity that living in austerity Britain can bring. We pledge to remain positive and friendly at all times and to ensure that all of our friends and customers can be assured of a warm welcome, speedy and efficient customer service and, in honour of our athletes, a commitment to excellence.
We're always pleased to hear from our customers and will always offer service with a smile.For once, the volunteers have not been the unsung heroes of the Olympics. So many people have taken the time to thank and praise the games makers, both publicly and privately. These wonderful people who have selflessly given up their time have been a shining example to us all. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and make a difference to the local and national communities and we fervently hope that thousands of Britons will be inspired to help those around them.
How about trying something new? Some of our athletes, including gold medallists, came to their sports simply by attending ‘try-out’ days that were open to the public. It is never too late to try something new, from a new sport to a new language. If variety really is the spice of life, then we all have an opportunity to spice up our lives by stepping out of our comfort zone and doing something different.
Why not try a new sport?We have all had a very good excuse for being a nation of couch potatoes for the last two weeks, but now the Olympics is over perhaps we should all consider being more active and taking more exercise? Try a walk in the park, or a gentle jog. Get the blood pumping. Go down to your local sports centre and see what is on offer. You never know, you might be sailing a dinghy in a few months’ time, or taking part in a 5k road race. Whatever you try, you can be sure that you will reap the rewards of your efforts in improved health and wellbeing!
Parents who wish to encourage their children to play outdoors may find some help in our outdoor toys section. If you have been inspired by the magnificent efforts of the Team GB cycling team then you may wish to introduce your little ones to our wooden balance bikes. We may not sell stick-on sideburns, but these brilliant bikes could put a future Bradley Wiggins on the road to success.
We’d love to hear what you have planned to make the most of the Olympic legacy. Tell us below and we’ll enter you into a draw to win a £25 voucher to spend at WoodenToyShop.co.uk.
