Learning from Sport - By George!

George was a runner. A quarter-miler. One of the best.

His club, South London Harriers, wrote to his RAF Commanding Officer to explain that George was an athlete. George was put in charge of the squadrons athletic team.

George won the London Championship and his County Championship. But a muscle sprain and an uncomfortable night, trying to sleep on a hard wooden floor, probably cost him the All England Championship at Bath in 1949. George came second.

His hand-crafted running spikes sit beside me in my study.

George was a boxer.

From the time I was a young boy, we used to spar together. Hed be pretty gentle until Id catch him off guard with a punch. Then hed really show me how to do it!

His boxing gloves hang in my study.

George loved tennis.

His old wooden tennis rackets were put to good use when we used them to practice badminton in the back garden. Once Id learnt to control a heavy tennis racket, using a lightweight badminton racket seemed easy.

One of those old rackets stands in the corner.

George taught me to run and to swim. To cycle and to play chess. We joined a badminton club. We played squash and Monopoly. Holidays were spent playing cricket, learning to row and flying kites. We queued up for hours in the cold and the rain to get tickets to see Sutton United play Leeds in the 4th round of the FA Cup. I sat on his knee to watch Henry Cooper knock down Muhammed Ali. We revelled in England winning the World Cup. And my first attempts at golf were with George.

When my children were small it seemed perfectly natural to enjoy sport with them too. Cycling, running, football, netball, badminton, tennis, rugby, swimming; not to mention endless indoor games. Whilst other children were hanging around the streets, mine were too busy training and looking after themselves.

Sport and sportsmanship is ingrained in our lives thanks to George.

Yesterday, I was with George when he was diagnosed as suffering from cerebral atrophy. We didnt understand exactly what the doctor was telling us but a leaflet with the tablets she prescribed said Alzheimers.

George and I are lucky. Were into extra time and were going to play this game the way it should be played. Right up to the final whistle.

I love you Dad.

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Best Places For Your Honeymoon Vacations

marriage is a beautiful event in your life, which you take great pains to plan. It marks the beginning of a lifetime with someone you love. A fantastic honeymoon is the perfect way to start this journey of a lifetime. Be it a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle or an invigoration action packed trip, you can be sure of finding just the right destination which will make your honeymoon vacations memorable.

Hawaii has been the most popular wedding destinations in the US. The tropical panorama, immaculate beaches and a vast choice of cuisine, and activities to cater to every kind of taste, it is not surprising that Hawaii is the top choice for a honeymoon. You can enjoy the many waterfalls and fantastic views from the various islands of Hawaii, which will be fun to explore with your spouse. But of course the most romantic thing to do with him/her would be to watch the sunset.

After Hawaii, the Niagara Falls in upstate New York figure as the next popular choice of a honeymoon destination. Many choose the setting of the Niagara, which is the second tallest and widest waterfall in the world to even exchange their wedding vows. There are guided tours on boats around the waterfall and a visit to the Casino Niagara, which is just across the Falls, would be a perfect way to end the day.

Florida is a place that can be perfect for just about anyone. There are numerous spots that you will love, whatever it is that you and your spouse want from a honeymoon. walt Disney world in Orlando is probably the most popular of all the holiday spots of Florida, where special packages are offered to those who want a romantic retreat.

It is incorrect to think that California is just about the crowded beaches and streets of Los Angeles. Should you decide to honeymoon there, then head for the undulating slopes, the mountain peaks and the charming villages of Napa Valley. California Wine Country, with its numerous wineries, which lies to the north of San Francisco, is sure to charm you with the hospitality that is typical of this place.

Las Vegas, which has been pronounced as the entertainment capital is just the right destination for those who want their honeymoon to be full of action and fun. Aside from gambling at the many casinos here, the shopping and nightlife can be quite enjoyable. Grand Canyon is close by and is a popular tourist destination. Most of the hotels in Las Vegas have honeymoon packages that you and your spouse would find hard to resist.

The U.S has everything to offer to the honeymooner, be it the tranquil beaches of Hawaii, or the never-ending action of Las Vegas; be it the scenic beauty of the California Wine Country or the fun filled spots of Florida.

Being interested in holidays and Spain, Johnathan Bakers is writing quite some long articles in the field. You can come across his abstracts on history of Spain at various other sources for history of Spain knowledge.

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