Letter: Sporting chance

It is easy for Joyce McMillan to dismiss the publicity surrounding the World Cup as the start of a collective frenzy (Opinion, 12 June). The truth is that most people will be getting on with their lives and seeing the football as an entertaining but temporary distraction. That's not to say it won't throw up some ugly sentiments. For the most part though the rivalry will be positive and, hopefully, exciting in soccer terms.

What she might have turned her attention to was what it all means for the future of South Africa. A nation that just quarter of a century ago was stymied by apartheid now seems to be finding itself in new ways. I don't doubt that there is a vulgarity in developing new football stadiums while shanty towns, disturbing levels of crime and high levels of unemployment are prevalent. But the fact that they can be built at all, and the country can host the kind of startling celebration we saw on Friday, must be cause for some optimism.

A united and democratic Germany wanted to show off its abilities in the World Cup of 2006; a developing China wanted to continue to throw off its backwardness by staging the Olympics in 2008. Whilst we should always guard against the overt dangers of linking politics and sport, we should also welcome development when we see it.

South Africa still has innumerable problems to overcome. The organisation of the World Cup festival is one more step towards solving them.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife