Roger Black MBE

This morning Roger Black, British 400 metre Olympic athlete, was the keynote speaker at the Surrey Heath Business Breakfast, which focused on the business opportunities available in the London 2012 Olympics.

Roger is an inspiring and confident speaker. At the end of his talk he genourously invited members from the packed audience to have their picture taken with him, and to hold his Olympic medals.

Yes, yes, I know you know what’s coming next. I simply couldn’t resist the offer. I waited my turn, and then stood next to Roger – my he’s a big man. I shook his hand, clutched his silver medal firmly in hand, smiled, and felt like a young boy, dazzled to be next to a famous athlete, and then it was all over. A lovely experience. My picture was taken by Cherry Red Studios of Camberley. I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Back to the business breakfast. The two other speakers also spoke about the opportunities the upcoming London Olympics offers. Paddy Herlihy, SEEDA’s Co-ordinator for the 2012 Olympic Games, spoke about the CompeteFor website, which lets businesses pitch for business to do with the Olympics, and the support available from Surrey County Council.

Finally, Danny Pecorelli, managing director of Exclusive Hotels, which includes Pennyhill Park Hotel, spoke about the Camberley Judo Club, of which he is Chairman. The club is the base of the British Olympic judo team. Danny’s plea, help sponsor British Olympic atheletes, which helps and promotes Camberley too.

A really excellent business breakfast meeting, combining business opportunity with sport and leisure.