Birmingham, England, home town to many Neowinians, is also a site of support for the British Olypmic hopes. For the next few days, Microsoft will be offering passers by to write messages of congratulations, commiseration and support to British Athletes competing in at the 2004 Olympics, in Greece.
Microsoft, an Olympic sponsor, is in the centre of Birmingham with the British Olympic Association drawing attention to lesser supported sports, such as fencing. These sports have traditionally received less coverage in comparison to the likes of swimming; the same applies in terms of funding. The event is designed to increase funding and interest in these sports, and ultimately raise British medal hopes.
Microsoft are also using the event to show off their Tablet PC, and it"s new technologies. Combined with its integrated hand writing software, people can literally use these devices as portable notepads. Fun, undoubtedly, but questionably useful; this issue is perhaps on of the reasons for their low uptake in the main stream market.
Asides from sponsoring British athletes, Microsoft are also managing the British Olympic Associations IT needs (more info via the link below). If you wish to send a message to the British team in Athens, you can do so here.