OLYMPIC fever is gripping the nation and South Lakeland is no different as the London Games start with the opening ceremony tomorrow.

Water polo is the sport South Cumbrians need to watch out for, with Kendal’s Glen Robinson, Chloe Wilcox of Shap and Alex Rutlidge from Burton-in-Kendal involved.

Barrow-in-Furness runner Chris Thompson will also take part in the 10,000-metres, and he is likely to provide able support for one of Team GB’s big hopefuls for the Games Mo Farah.

Robinson will be among the thousands of athletes at tomorrow (Friday) night’s opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, which he says is one of the events he is looking forward to most in the fortnight.

The event will be made all the more special with his parents Carole and Marc and brother Ian watching from the stands.

“I’m really excited about representing my country now and I can’t wait - when I found out I was selected it was the best news of my life,” Robinson said.

“We’ve got some very difficult games in the group stages because we’re playing the best teams in the world but as long as we play our best it will be a great experience.

“It’s fantastic that my family have got tickets for the opening ceremony and I can’t wait for tomorrow now!”

Wilcox, who has been in Hungary for the past two weeks with Rutlidge preparing for the Games, said: “It means everything to me to have been fortunate enough to even train for a home Olympics and to know now I will become an Olympian is a dream come true.

“The years of hard work I have put in have finally paid off. The home crowd will hopefully give us the extra bit of help to perform our best – it’s the 14th man on our team!”

Kendal Dojo head coach Mike Liptrot is down at the Olympic village helping Oceana judo players to settle after they trained in the Auld Grey Town in the weeks leading up to the Games.

He said: “It’s excellent down here and I don’t understand all these issues about security because it is brilliant from what I’ve seen.

“Obviously it would have been better if I were down here with one of my own athletes such as Michael Horley but it’s magic being here.”

He also managed to get tickets for around 20 staff at Kendal Judo Club to get down to the Olympics.

Veterinary physiotherapist Karen Mather from Bolton-le-Sands has been selected for an elite team treating equestrian horses.

She will work with Team GB and with horses from other countries that do not have their own physiotherapist at Greenwich Park.

Karen, who owns the Cumbria Equine and Canine Physiotherapy, said: “We are responsible for treating any soft tissue injuries they may suffer but hopefully it will be more about working with the horses pre- and post-event on muscle soreness and making sure they are comfortable.

“We went last weekend to see the venue and it was pretty amazing. It’s going to be a fantastic experience.”

Meanwhile, the canoeing and kayaking will take place at Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire, designed by Nibthwaite engineer Andy Laird.

Philip Walker of Buttermere Drive, Kendal, was one of the lucky ones to get through the Olympic lottery.

He is watching the men’s handball and men’s boxing semi finals on Friday, August 10 before trups to Earl’s Court and Wembley for the women’s bronze medal match in volleyball and the men’s football final.

“I can’t wait to get down there and I think the atmosphere in London is going to be incredible,” Mr Walker said.

“I’m a bit disappointed David Beckham’s not going to be playing considering all the work he’s done getting the Olympics to London.

“But I’m really looking forward to it, particularly the handball to see what the atmosphere is like in the Olympic Park.”

When to watch Glen Robinson - Men’s water polo Sun July 29 6.20pm - Great Britain v Romania Tues July 31 6.20pm - Great Britain v Serbia Thurs August 2 6.20pm - Great Britain v United States of America Sat August 4 6.20pm - Great Britain v Hungary Mon August 6 6.20pm - Great Britain v Montenegro Wed August 8 - Quarter finals Fri August 10 - Semi finals Sun August 12 - Classifications of top eight including bronze medal match and final.

Chloe Wilcox and Alex Rutlidge - Women’s water polo Mon July 30 6.20pm - Great Britain v Russia Wed August 1 7.40pm - Great Britain v Australia Fri August 3 6.20pm - Great Britain v Italy Sun August 5 - Quarter finals Tues August 7 - Semi finals Thurs August 9 - Classifications of top eight including bronze medal match and final.

Chris Thompson - Men’s 10,000 metres Sat August 4 9.15pm - Final