On Tuesday, a sunny and warm day, we decided to drive to Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park, for a picnic lunch, followed by a walk around the park, and a quick look at Westfield Shopping Centre..
But a pleasant surprise awaited us, when we found the final preparations were being put in place for the Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, with the motive 'I AM' highlighted in the name, came about as a result of Prince Harry attending a similar event in the USA, the US Warrior Games. He has been very involved in the organisation of the games.
It is an international sporting competition, hosted in London, this September, for over 300 wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel from 14 countries, who have been involved in fighting alongside each other, namely Afganistan.
The main arena has been set up on the land which is at the end of the park, not far from the main entrance, and alongside the main Olympic arena. Other areas, such as the swimming pool, Lee Valley Arena, and the Copper Box will also be used.
The name Invictus comes from a poem written by a Victorian British poet called William Ernest Henley. Invictus means 'unconquerable' and the poem is about having courage in the face of adversity and having dignity despite the indignities of life. (Wikipedia).
There were plenty of military personnel there, rushing around looking important, plus quite a few people in suits discussing sheets of paper. Then there were the workers, assembling the barriers, and temporary buildings. And quite a few tourists, mostly with badges, being shown around the park. But overall it was much quieter than previous visits, due to the children being back in school. Term time.
The swimming pool, a wave, glimpsed through the rapidly growing trees and shrubs.
We had a lovely picnic lunch, sitting peacefully on a bench in the shade. Very pleasant.
Walter pointed out the small bridge, which is an original structure, built when the canals were used by narrowboats, and the bridge linked the tow paths.
We walked along the very wide path which took us past the Copper Box, and the carparks. We certainly had the place to ourselves. The Olympic Park was built on marshland, in between canals and railway lines. I think there were a few businesses here, but mainly the area was disused land, so the people of east London have benefited greatly by this green space with magnificent sporting facilities placed within it. Interestingly our street directory, which must be about 16 years old, shows the area as marshland.
Looking back towards the tall broadcasting tower, plus assorted buildings. A skyline that is rapidly showing more and more tall buildings. The water in front is the River Lee, which is now landscaped with ponds, trees and grass from here back to the M25. I am not sure, but I believe bicycle paths also run through this area.
Lee Valley cycling tracks for races.
The British team, getting ready to practise. There was plenty of money in the lightweight racing bicycles.
These two cyclists were posing for the cameras, but eventually they moved off.
The BMX tracks. I remember watching the Olympic BMX heats on television. Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel were spectators on one of the days.
The Lee Valley Arena. Very impressive. We bought coffee from the cafe, which was also impressive.
A living hedge in front, with the buildings used for accommodation during the Olympics, now used as flats, behind. There are more flats being built on the left hand side, not visible in this photograph, which will be part owned/part rented flats. Probably cost a lot of money too, I can imagine.
We walked past a fantastic playground area, with very creative play spaces and equipment, which is a definite must to visit, the next time we have grandchildren with us.
Then we arrived at the Westfield Shopping Centre, having walked a full circle. A short walk around the centre, and then we walked back to the car, which was parked in the John Lewis car park, 5 pounds for the day.
And we drove home easily and quickly, took 25 minutes. Very little traffic.
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