As a brummy it may not come as a surprise to you that i am writing abput competition and pride this week. I have never heard Birmingham spoken sbout so much, and spoken about so nicely as it has been over the last week with the hosting of the Commonwealth games. We had the pleasure of being a part of it, watching a couple of netball matches earlier in the week.

Competition and Pride can often be conceived with negative connotations BUT what I’ve experienced this week is the pride that those local to Birmingham are showing; I know that personally I am amazed at the way the games have been put together and how welcoming the city has been. I have had much ridicule for having come from Birmingham, but I really am proud of the city, but also for being a Brummy.

Watching the netball, but also the other sports it is clear how proud the participants are to represent their countries. That comes out in the competition, they give it their absolute all, even when they know they are not the favourite, they want to do the best they can do and appreciate the opportunity to compete against some of the worlds best.

Yes competition can be nasty, pride can come before a fall, but competition can also bring the best out of us and gives us the opportunity to be proud of what we have achieved.