Final preparations are the order of the day here and the atmosphere is calmly changing as the serious phase is underway after a period of acclimatisation. All remains so positive and per the norm on these situations a particular routine has been adopted by the various coaches / athletes. No panic, no hurrying around, peace to focus, and absolutely no interruption of any consequence. In the early days i piled pretty much everyone into minibuses and headed for this idyllic beach location half hour away only spent about an hour there but it really was enjoyable swimming in the Sea Of Japan and appreciated by the athletes. This A M yours truly here planted a tree aided by Colin Griffin to note our visit to this area and this was attended by Lord Mayor and local dignitaries followed by athletes signing autographs as agreed for locals after a training session. No injuries to report, all looking ahead with renewed enthusiasm to getting up to Osaka and getting into action. THe first group leaves here tomorrow lunchtime and there are a further 2 exits dependant on the competition timetable, nobody all that anxious to be hanging around in Osaka for too long. One of the key learning aspects of this position is the continued discovery pretty much where ever you go that facilities are superb much better than at home and the hands on approach of the local council in development of same. This is very obvious in Japan and the children look so healthy no doubt due to organised and varied exercise and healthy eating. And then you reflect on the eating habits of our children and the dearth of exercise in certain instances and you wonder where Ireland 2007 is going. One thing for sure we have the most positive example of Ireland out here and they are up for the challenge and roll on Saturday and the beginning of the competition --Osaka 2007 . Patsy mc Gonagle Senior/Olympic team manager Athletics Ireland 0872226112