The Olympic Flame burns bright in Romania

I was in Poiana Brasov last week to support Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. I spent two days on the slopes, and brought my three daughters along too to watch the figure skating – their favourite sport.

For many of the young British athletes and their coaches this was their first visit to Romania, and they were very favourably impressed.

Firstly with the facilities at Poiana and the other resorts. They were especially appreciative of the cross country ski track and the biathlon stadium, but all the sports had first class venues. There has been a lot of investment in Predeal in recent years, and this tournament was testament to Romania’s ability to host winter sports at an international level.

Secondly with the welcome they received from the organisers, the hotels and especially the volunteers. As in London last summer, it was the volunteers who were the face of the host country, and in Brasov last week they did a magnificent job. For Team GB, the volunteers were truly part of their team, helping the young athletes to have the best experience of the competition and the country.

And of course I was extremely impressed by the athletes themselves. Most were in their early teens, but already absolutely focused on their sport and truly dedicated to performing at the highest level. For many this was the first chance to experience an Olympic style competition, with the very best talent on display from across Europe.

The figure skating was beautiful and breath-taking, with so much artistic and athletic skill on show at the rink in Poiana. Britain’s Graham Newberry did fantastically well, finishing in fourth place in the final. And there was a silver medal for Kat Thomson earlier in the week in the short track speed skating

I had the opportunity to meet the team on the penultimate evening of the competition. I’m not a great sportsman myself, though I can get myself round a rink or down a piste in one piece and enjoy the experience! But I do have one thing in common with the young athletes of Team GB.

I have the honour of representing my country. Last week the Team did GB proud. And the organisers of the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival 2013 did Romania proud too. Next stop Sochi!