The World Cup - The greatest show of all

MANKIND’S greatest global sports festival opens in South Africa this afternoon when the hosts play Mexico in World Cup 2010’s opening game.

Yesterday we celebrated the great power of sport on a national stage when the Special Olympics opened at Thomond Park but today we look to a far, far bigger stage. This great celebration, though it has shown its shabby side too, is unique in reach. There is hardly a nation that has not qualified for the finals that will not look over the fence at the party in envy. Like most everything in life, nothing beats participation.

Fifteen years ago South Africa hosted the rugby world cup and left themselves open to the charge of being an ungracious host by winning that competition. Many felt that a newly democratised South Africa might not be ready for that challenge but they proved us all wrong.