We will be caught up in the excitement of the Games and it will soon generate its favourites: winners against the odds, powerhouses of energy and athletes with their personal idiosyncrasies.

In Beijing, none of the British competitors were born in High Peak although there are several from Derbyshire. I am sure we all wish them and their team mates the very best of fortune.

At a gala in Glossop recently I saw the talent, determination and enthusiasm of some of High Peak's young swimmers.

With that sort of approach – plus backing for tomorrow's sports stars from the Borough's two schools specialising in sports – High Peak ought to be represented in 2012.

There is public support for the Government's plans to introduce free swimming in public pools for children and the over 60s.

I hope that, as we approach London 2012, the Olympics will stimulate High Peak Council to address the need to upgrade pool and leisure facilities in Buxton and across the Borough.

We need to inspire a generation of young people to seek excellence in sport and other fields of endeavour.

A couple of months ago I visited the 2012 site in east London to look at health and safety issues in the construction industry. Although it had been scraped clean of buildings its scale and potential were impressive. Canals, rivers and over 30 bridges will dominate the site. Some of its new, environmentally sustainable structures will last for generations as sports facilities, homes and business parks. Construction is ahead of schedule.

We are on course for a 'win-win' Olympics for Britain.

The day China's Games close, the countdown to London will start in earnest.

Let us hope that some of High Peak's promising athletes can be 2012 Olympians.