We are finally there. The excitement has been transmitted through the press, TV, internet, radio and even Twitter has created a little ball icon to be attached next to footy related Tweets.

 Over the past few years and accelerated by the recession, public sector bodies have emerged as big players in the funding of sport.

Talking to a Canadian friend recently, I naturally asked whether he had enjoyed the Winter Olympics. "It was 3,000 miles away" was his response.

Legacy Lives heard from the great and the good of the major events industry but one character left a lasting impression.

Over the past 15 years government and city authorities have increasingly seen hosting sports events as a way to