Photo by Ng Han Guan
A participant holds up a German flag during a welcome ceremony at the Olympic Village at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
If there's a way to safely do a javelin toss inside a downtown Naples restaurant, Tony Wood wants to figure it out by today's Olympic opening ceremonies.
Along with his wife Jane, the native Londoner and owner of the Jolly Cricket on Fifth Avenue South returned earlier this week from a trip to England, where the pair became inspired. Special shirts for the staff were made and races around the tables are planned for an all-afternoon viewing celebration in a small homage to the big event.
"If I don't do it, I think the queen would call and have me beheaded," Tony Wood joked.
For the English – and there are about 32,000 Neapolitans who claim all or partial heritage from the country – hosting the world's unifying athletic event has been transforming for cities around the United Kingdom, where competitions began Wednesday.
The sporting event brings together athletes from 205 countries competing in 26 sports. In Collier County, residents claim heritage to about 100 countries, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data.
German and Irish ancestry ranks at the top of the local list, with Mexican in a close third place.
Further down are the local residents with ties to Italy, through family or, like business owner Gianluca Corso, straight from the source.
When it comes time to root for a team, being from one country and living in another allows him to hedge his bets.
"It's a tough question," said Corso, owner of Cosmos Italian Cafe & Pizzeria.
"I think I'll start with Italy. If Italy goes out, I'll be with the U.S.," he said, laughing.
Throw in another country, and the odds get even better.
Kelly Gianello, a Brit, married husband Enrique, an Argentine. Their son, a professional kitesurfer born in the U.S., could be eligible to compete for his home country or those of his parents if he makes it to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.
If he makes the U.S. team when kitesurfing replaces windsurfing in four years, Gianello said she would support the U.S.
"I've lived here long enough to look at the American team and say 'yay!'" she said.
Her husband, she added, takes a more opportunistic approach.
"It's great if the Argentines win, great if the English win, great if the Americans win," she said.
2012 LONDON OLYMPICS
Naples resident Trevor Moore and partner Erik Storck competed in the 2012 Olympic sailing events. They failed to make the medal race.
- Photos: Naples' Trevor Moore competes in 2012 London Olympics
- Video: Interview with Trevor Moore before the Olympics
- Photos: Olympic Sailor Trevor Moore prepares for Olympics
- Twitter: Get Twitter updates from Trevor Moore & Erik Storck
- Videos: Watch live video broadcasts of Olympic sailing events
- Stories: Read stories about Trevor Moore
2012 London Olympics
Marco Art Center gets a facelift
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 1
KlausStoertebeker writes:
He was one of the biggest Athletes of the last century. Carl Lewis won nine gold medals and eight World Championship titles. On Friday now, he suggests to terribly on his compatriot Mitt Romney . Because of the presidential candidate criticized the British Olympic preparations during a visit in London. Lewis shares now in the "times" against the Republicans : "Some Americans should not leave just your country." And he adds: "Course, London is prepared." Shortly after his arrival in London, Romney criticized the State of the security measures for the Olympics on Wednesday. The problems with the private security firm G4s, which had to concede shortly before the games to can provide insufficient security personnel, and a strike applied at the last minute the guards are worrying. "It is difficult to say whether it will go well." Also, Romney posed the question whether the British for the games could inspire enough in the room. The London Mayor Boris Johnson infamous for his outspoken comments took no mince also on this occasion. "Because there is a guy called Mitt Romney, who wants to know if we are ready", he told tens of thousands of people in Hyde Park. "Are we ready?" "Yes!" Romney leaves out no gaffes.
All other lovely first lady Michelle. The best American Ambassador. With style and shine a unique ray of hope. Great President Barack Obama can only win with this superwoman. Next November second term.
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