The 2000 Sydney Olympics were dubbed 'the collaborative games', because of the way government, labour and management worked together. Can South Africa build on this great lesson?

Matching the valiant attempts of the locals to learn English, growing numbers of foreign nationals are coming to Beijing to study Mandarin.

Sydney warmly recalls its turn as host four years ago. A party atmosphere enveloped the whole town at night. The Australian spirit of camaraderie and openness was at its best, a reference point we need to keep alive in our heads.’

Hugh Williams delights in a book that traces 'Englishness' back to the days before England existed.

As Australia prepares to stage the Olympics, John Williams offers a personal sketch of a fortunate country with huge questions before it.

Sir Conrad Hunte, the West Indian international cricketer, died in December. TC 'Dickie' Dodds, himself a former professional cricketer, pays tribute to a man who will be remembered for his contribution to human relations as much as for his sporting prowess.

Kenneth Noble takes a look at former great Christian athletes as the Olympic Games will celebrate their 100th anniversary

Today, the 'professional foul' is no longer something which only the referee can spot, but a dangerous tackle that breaks all the rules. Violence on the field is reflected even more tragically by violence in the stands, and governments are forced to take action.

One of the two opening batsmen for the Masters is Conrad Hunte, invited from the USA by the Barbadian government with his American wife, Patricia, and their three daughters, Roberta, 10, Grace, 5, and Veronica, 2.