So here we are launched into a summer of sport, but no-one has told the weather. Our cricketers and tennis players will face their accustomed battle with the rain. This summer, the placing of the World Cup in the Americas will mean that night owls can watch live football in the wee small hours.

Whatever the weather conditions, supreme enjoyment will flow from the competitions. Let us hope that they will all be played in a spirit of fairness, goodwill and celebration and that glory will derive from taking part.