Still feeling warm glow of Olympic flame
As Olympic fever begins to take a grip once again and all eyes focus on Rio, it is hard to believe that it is four years since the very positive impact of the Olympics in London or two years since the wonderful events of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Having the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games so close to home and so close together demonstrated just what a powerful impact could be generated by sporting events that capture international attention.
The example of sporting effort, the investment of time and care in preparation for the games and the need to remain healthy and focused were all good lessons for us all to see.
The games have undoubtedly increased the attention on local sport and it is encouraging to see such a strong and healthy level of participation in local sporting activity.
We take our son to the local football sessions organised by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Club. These sessions are a great way to encourage local participation in football and there is now a burgeoning level of activity, with football for both boys and girls.
We also went along at the weekend to a family day organised by St Johnstone FC, which was another good example of initiatives to get more young people involved in sport.
The impact of the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games was felt not just in terms of the encouragement for many to take an active part in sporting life.
They also created a renewed sense of importance around the concept of volunteering.
The games makers in London or the Clydesiders in Glasgow were the welcoming faces of the games and they did a magnificent job of setting the tone for a carnival of sport and an atmosphere of kindliness towards others.
And none of the local sporting activity in Perthshire would take place without a huge commitment of volunteers to make the clubs and the events possible.
It is interesting to see that atmosphere of volunteering present in another major local event that we remembered recently.
The flooding in Alyth last July was a shocking and overwhelming occasion: the danger emerged so quickly and the damage was so immediate and significant.
But the army of volunteers that came to the aid of the emergency services and the local community badly affected by the event appeared just as quickly as the rainfall.
Those who just gave up everything and made their priority the assistance of others were a great example of the community spirit that we are so lucky to have around us.
We have all benefited from that encouragement to take part in sport and to be active in looking after our own health and wellbeing.
We have also benefited from the willingness of many in our local community to ensure we can participate in these activities as a result of their volunteering activity.
That is a great combination in our local community.