some noise here!’
Whatever it is, women’s beach volleyball is not your average Olympic sport.

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Victorious: Zara Dampney, left, from Great Britain celebrates with her teammate Shauna Mullin, right, after defeating Canada in their Beach volleyball match on Sunday

The British pair, the country's first female representatives in this sport at the Olympics since 1996, impressed on their way to a 17-21 21-14 15-13 victory

Celebration: British team Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney celebrate their victory over Canada yesterday, while left, Dampney dives for the ball during the match

And when Great Britain’s Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney jog through the drizzle and a tunnel of cheerleaders into the amazing purple 15,000-seat temporary stadium in Horse Guards Parade, it feels a long way from Chariots Of Fire.
When Olympic tickets went on sale in the ballot, beach volleyball was one of the most oversubscribed events, second only to the 100 metres final. A year on, it remains the hot ticket of the Games.
Or, at least, the women’s beach volleyball does. No one seems quite so interested in the men.
It could, of course, be due to the fact that the women display mesmerising skill, above and beyond their male peers.

Sights and sounds: The Olympic beach volleyball tournament kicked off yesterday in the historic heart of the UK capital. However, spectators' eyes were firmly fixed upon the athletes and their toned bodies

Wet and wild: The heavens open over the Women's Beach Volleyball Preliminary Round match between Kikiana Steiner Fernandez and Elsa McMillan Baquerizo of Spain and Marleen van Iersel and Sanne Keizer of the Netherlands at Horse Guards Parade

A true taste of British summer: Dark skies during Men's Beach Volleyball Preliminary match between Spain and the Netherlands

Nail biter: The Spaniards came from behind to beat their Dutch rivals 14-21 21-16 15-11.  Elisa Baquerizo embraces teammate Liliana Fernandez, rear, after their win

Italy's Marta Menegatti returns the ball during a beach volleyball match against Russia earlier today, before the rain started falling

Russia's Evgeniya Ukolova hits the sand during the match against Italy, which the Italians won in straight sets

But it is more likely to be because men play in singlets, baseball hats and baggy knee-length shorts while the women wear very, very, very small bikinis. Or at least they do when the temperature is above 16C. Regulations dictate that when it’s colder than this, they can wear shorts.
Yesterday afternoon, with thermometers bobbing at a perilous 17C, this revelation was a source of grave concern amongst a group of four men drinking pink champagne from plastic glasses at the bar until the men’s matches had finished.
‘Why would they do that to us? Why would they ruin our Olympic experience? This is the only thing we wanted tickets to!’ gasped Jonathan, a shipbroker from London.
Fortunately, his fears were never realised. As a beach volleyball virgin, I have no idea whether London in the rain has the same je ne sais quoi as the sun-kissed beaches of Ipanema, or Santa Monica. Though I assume the cheerleaders don’t usually stand shivering in dressing gowns between dances.
But it doesn’t matter. It is the noisiest, most colourful, bonkers, flesh-revealing thing you can imagine. A bit like the old Saturday night TV show Gladiators, but louder, more shouty and in bikinis with lager.

Bonkers: A group of dancers use beach balls during their routine to keep spectators entertained at the beach volleyball

What a show: Cheerleaders perform during Women's Beach Volleyball on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards Parade

Beach party vibe: Cheerleaders' dance performances were greeted with cheers as enthusiastic as any those granted any of the sporting prowess on display

Intermission: The dancers emerged onto the court between matches, as the MC whipped the crowd into a frenzy

 

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And it’s really fun to watch.  Every time a point is scored the music blasts – anything from Queen to The Proclaimers, Beyonce to The Rolling Stones.
The rules are brilliantly simple. There are two players on each team and the aim is to ‘ground’ the ball on your opponent’s side of the net, or prevent them from returning it. The first team to reach 21 points wins the set and the best of three sets wins the match.
Players can ‘flick’ the ball to each other up to three times on their side before ‘spiking’ it across the net.
And yes, Federation Internationale de Volleyball really do stipulate that the bottom half of female competitors’ kit can feature ‘no more than 6cm of cloth at the hip’ – unless it’s cooler than 16 degrees.
So it’s vital to have a body that is tanned, smooth and hairless. There’s nothing that moves, wobbles, ripples or bulges. And they all wear make-up and jewellery and patriotically painted nails.
The bodies come at a price. For Dampney and Mullin it was more than four hours of training six days a week for the past five years. They don’t drink alcohol or eat sweets. Fruity: Russia's Anastasia Vasina, right,and Anna Vozakova celebrate at Centre Court of the stadium in Horse Guards Parade at the end of the second set of their women's beach volleyball preliminary phase Pool B match yesterday afternoon

Xue Chen and Zhang Xi were bronze medallists in Beijing four years ago, are among the favourites for gold this time but made a poor start to their Olympic quest

Good effort: Chen Xue of China dips to return the ball during the match, where they eventually lost to the Russian side

Rolling in the sand: With a look of rapt concentration, China's Zhang Xi waits to return the ball

Acrobatic: Brazil's Juliana Silva dives out of bounds for a spiked ball during their match against Mauritius, from which they eventually emerged victorious

Six-time world champions Larissa Franca and Juliana Silva of Brazil demolished Natacha Rigobert and Elodie Li Yuk Lo of Mauritius 21-5 21-10 in Pool A

Cheeky: Greece's Maria Tsiartsiani signals the strategy to teammate Vasiliki Arvaniti before serving to Switzerland's Nadine Zumkehr and Simone Kuhn during their women's beach volleyball preliminary match

Long-limbed: Greek and Swiss players struggle for the ball during their match

Our boys: Steve Grotowski of Great Britain dives for the ball. He and John Garcia-Thompson went down to a 21-19 21-13 defeat to Joshua Binstock and Martin Reader of Canada

Down in the wet sand, they’re halfway through the first set and the cheerleaders are out of their dressing gowns and doing the conga. Helicopters circle overhead (as pilots presumably lean over for a good gawp), the air is thick with the smell of hotdogs and lager and everyone is cheering.
And when Mullin and Dampney win the second set, everyone’s up on their feet dancing.
Suddenly, we’re winning. GB takes the final set and the crowd goes berserk.
Mullin said recently: ‘We don’t play beach volleyball to look good, we play it to win.’ And there’s something about the sport that will win you over.
It’s like a brilliant spoof – a sort of Hugh Hefner bikini Olympics crossed with a ridiculous game show.
It’s not something to take your granny to, or probably even your mum, but it’s a  brilliantly fun afternoon. And we won!

Video: Beach Volleyball fans give mixed reviews of the athletes' attire

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2180540/Olympics-Beach-volleyball-Lifes-beach-Horse-Guards-Parade-beach-volleyball-taken-Britain-storm.html#ixzz22Ewq79b9

President Barack Obama addresses more than 1,500 U.S. service members at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Nov. 19, 2009. Obama?s visit to Osan is the last stop in his ten-day visit to Asia, which also included stops in China, Japan and Singapore. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 11/19/2009
U.S. President Barack Obama, center, gets a hug as he rallies U.S. troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, outside Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP	U.S. President Barack Obama rallies U.S. troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, outside Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, back to camera, gets a hug as he rallies U.S. troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP	U.S. President Barack Obama rallies U.S. troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands during his visit with U.S. service members at Osan Air Base in Osan, outside Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd L) walks with U.S. Forces Korea commander Walter Sharp (3rd L) and U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens (L) before his departure from South Korea at the U.S. airbase in Osan, south of Seoul, November 19, 2009. U.S. President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called on North Korea on Thursday to return to stalled nuclear talks and end its atomic ambitions in return for massive economic aid. Reuters	U.S. President Barack Obama rallies U.S. troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama in a car, looks up at a rally welcoming Obama's visit to the country and denouncing North Korea's nuclear program as he heads to meet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP	A vehicle, fourth from right, carrying U.S. President Barack Obama, drives to go to meet with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak as protesters hold a rally welcoming Obama's visit and denouncing North Korea's nuclear program near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama (C) moves to shake hands with Han Duk-soo (L), South Korean ambassador to the U.S. , upon his arrival from Beijing at the U.S. airbase in Osan, south of Seoul, November 18, 2009. Obama will meet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on November 19, 2009. Reuters	U.S. President Barack Obama, right, shakes hands with South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan after Obama walks down from the Air Force One upon arrival at the Osan U.S. Air Force Base in Osan, 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. Obama arrived here for the last leg of his four-country Asian tour. AP
[Above and two below] President Barack Obama addresses more than 1,500 U.S. servicemembers Nov. 18, 2009, at Osan Air Base, South Korea. This is President Obama's first visit to Korea since taking office in January. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson) Five Secret Service agents around Obama.
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, walks to the Marine One upon arrival at the Osan U.S. Air Force Base in Osan, 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. Obama arrived here for the last leg of his four-country Asian tour. AP	US President Barack Obama (C) tours the Great Wall of China in Badaling, outside of Beijing, on November 18, 2009. The US president was to wrap up his maiden trip to the world's most populous nation with a bit of tourism -- a visit to the Great Wall, one of China's most treasured landmarks -- before heading to South Korea. Getty
Visiting US President Barack Obama rides in a limousine upon departure following his visit to the Great Wall at Badaling north of Beijing as seen from a watchtower on November 18, 2009 on the last stop of his three day visit to China. The US president was to wrap up his maiden trip to the world's most populous nation with a bit of tourism -- a visit to the Great Wall, one of China's most treasured landmarks -- before heading to South Korea. Getty	A security personnel guards Air Force One before U.S. President Barack Obama leaves Beijing airport, November 18, 2009. Obama will continue efforts to court China on Wednesday while cajoling it on economic and currency strains, with the final day of his visit featuring talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Reuters
US President Barack Obama tours the Great Wall on November 18, 2009 at Badaling, northwest of Beijing. The US president was to wrap up his maiden trip to the world's most populous nation with a bit of tourism -- a visit to the Great Wall, one of China's most treasured landmarks -- before heading to South Korea. Getty	U.S. President Barack Obama inside the group during his tour to the Great Wall in Badaling, China, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama smiles as he tours the Great Wall in Badaling, China, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. AP	U.S. President Barack Obama, right, walks on the Great Wall during his official visit in Badaling, China, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. AP [With two Secret Service agents.]
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, Chinese President Hu Jintao, center, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, take their seats at a state dinner reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. AP [Female Secret Service agent left of Hu.]	Chinese President Hu Jintao, right, points to the table center piece for U.S. President Barack Obama, left, at a State Dinner Reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. AP [Female Secret Service agent third from right.]
U.S. President Barack Obama (C) reacts as he talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) before an official welcoming dinner at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing November 17, 2009. The two leaders agreed to increase international cooperation, after "frank, constructive and fruitful" talks in Beijing. Reuters [SS agent left of Obama.]	US President Barack Obama (C) takes part in a tour of the Forbidden City on November 17, 2009 in Beijing. Chinese President Hu Jintao will pay an official visit to the United States some time next year on the invitation of his US counterpart Barack Obama, the two sides said. The announcement came in a joint statement after talks between the two leaders here in the Chinese capital. Getty
U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd left) visits the Forbidden City in Beijing November 17, 2009. Obama wrangles over trade and currency policy with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao on Tuesday, with Iran and North Korea competing for attention at the summit of the two global powers. Reuters [Three Chinese protective agents in foreground, coats open for weapons access.]	U.S. President Barack Obama tours the Forbidden City in Beijing, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. AP [Chinese protective agents at left and right, coats open for weapons access.]
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, with Chinese President Hu Jintao, right, walk out together following the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. AP [SS Joe Clancy upper right.]	U.S. President Barack Obama, center, during his tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. AP [Secret Service agent Joe Clancy at right.]
Visiting US President Barack Obama (C) arrives in Beijing from Shanghai on Air Force One on November 16, 2009. Obama is on his first visit to China, a three-day mission aimed at convincing Beijing that Washington is its partner, not its rival. Getty US President Barack Obama (C-R) and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C-L) take part in an arrival ceremony at Capital International Airport in Beijing on November 16, 2009. Obama arrived in Beijing from Shanghai, for the second leg of his maiden state visit to China. Getty [Secret Service agents at right and to the right of Obama.]	A lone Chinese paramilitary guard mans his position on the tarmac as visiting US President Barack Obama arrives in Beijing from Shanghai on board Air Force One on November 16, 2009. President Obama is on his first visit to China, a three-day mission aimed at convincing Beijing that Washington is its partner, not its rival. Getty
President Barack Obama greets students after he spoke and took questions at a town hall style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. AP	President Barack Obama greets students after he spoke at a town hall style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. AP
US President Barack Obama (R) speaks during a town hall meeting at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, on November 16, 2009. The US leader, on the third leg of his debut tour of Asia, is to make brief remarks to an audience described by the White House as 'future Chinese leaders.' Obama enjoys great popularity in China, especially among the youth in the world's most populous nation of 1.3 billion people. Getty	Attendees listen as US President Barack Obama (R) smiles during a town hall meeting at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, on November 16, 2009. The US leader, on the third leg of his debut tour of Asia, is to make brief remarks to an audience described by the White House as 'future Chinese leaders.' Obama enjoys great popularity in China, especially among the youth in the world's most populous nation of 1.3 billion people. Getty
US President Barack Obama answers questions during a town hall meeting with future Chinese leaders at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai on November 16, 2009. Obama declared that the US and China need not be adversaries, as he sought to shake off the official constraints of his visit to China in a live Internet webcast. Getty	US President Barack Obama answers questions during a town hall meeting with future Chinese leaders at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai on November 16, 2009. Obama declared that the US and China need not be adversaries, as he sought to shake off the official constraints of his visit to China in a live Internet webcast. Getty
U.S. President Barack Obama jokes with participants at a town hall-style meeting with future Chinese leaders at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China November 16, 2009. Reuters	U.S. President Barack Obama meets audience members after speaking at a town hall-style event with Chinese youth at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama greets participants in a town hall-style meeting with future Chinese leaders at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai November 16, 2009. Obama said on Monday that Washington was not trying to contain China's rise but said trade between the two giants needed to be more balanced. Reuters	U.S. President Barack Obama greets participants in a town hall-style meeting with future Chinese leaders at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai November 16, 2009. Obama said on Monday that Washington was not trying to contain China's rise but said trade between the two giants needed to be more balanced. Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama arrives to speak at a town hall style event with Chinese youth at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. AP	A car carrying U.S. President Barack Obama drives the tarmac at Pudong International Airport on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 in Shanghai, China. AP
The Air Force One which will carry U.S. President Barack Obama taxies the tarmac at Pudong International Airport on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 in Shanghai, China. AP	A car carrying U.S. President Barack Obama drives the tarmac at Pudong International Airport on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 in Shanghai, China. AP
U.S. President Barack Obama boards Air Force One in Singapore November 15, 2009. Obama is on his way to Shanghai. Reuters [Anti-missile infrared countermeasures device green lens above the engine at center.]	U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva are reflected in a lobby mirror as they speak to members of the media following their multilateral meeting with the ASEAN 10 members in Singapore, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. AP [Secret Service agent at right.]
US President Barack Obama (C) arrives for a bi-lateral meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Istana in Singapore on November 15, 2009, during The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Leaders from 21 APEC members including US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao are in Singapore for an annual summit. The meeting is one of the last international gatherings ahead of world climate change talks opening in Copenhagen on December 7. Getty	US President Barack Obama (L) arrives at the Istana in Singapore on November 15, 2009 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting. Obama came under fire from Asia-Pacific leaders for backsliding on free trade at a regional summit devoted to driving the world economy out of crisis. Getty
U.S. President Barack Obama right, pats Chile's President Michelle Bachelet on the back during the Gala Dinner at the APEC Summit in Singapore, Saturday, Nov.14, 2009. AP [Secret Service agent at right.]	US President Barack Obama (L) arrives at the Istana in Singapore on November 15, 2009 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting. Obama came under fire from Asia-Pacific leaders for backsliding on free trade at a regional summit devoted to driving the world economy out of crisis. Getty
Air Force One stands on the tarmac at the Paya Lebar Air Base after U.S. President Barack Obama arrived on November 14, 2009 in Singapore. President Obama will attend APEC 2009 summit which brings together 800 business leaders and 15 world leaders to Singapore, where key global issues including the economic crisis will be discussd. Getty	U.S. President Barack Obama walks to his limousine from Air Force One upon his arrival at Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base November 14, 2009. Reuters
U.S President Barack Obama arrives in Singapore for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit at Paya Lebar Military Airbase to attend the closing of the Apec Summit. President Obama will attend the APEC 2009 summit, which brings together 800 business leaders and 15 world leaders, where key global issues including the economic crisis will be discussd. Getty [Secret Service agent at top.]	President Barack Obama sits on his armored cadillac limousine after arriving at the Paya Lebar Air Base on November 14, 2009 in Singapore. President Obama will attend APEC 2009, which brings together 800 business leaders and 15 world leaders to Singapore, with the two-day summit addressing the economic crisis and other key global issues. Getty
US President Barack Obama bows after delivering his speech at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on November 14, 2009. Billing himself America's first 'Pacific president', Obama said the United States did not seek to 'contain' China and promised a full US role in charting Asia's future. Getty	US President Barack Obama waves from the steps of Air Force One prior to departure from Haneda Airport in Tokyo on November 14, 2009. US President Barack Obama will make a surprise early appearance at the APEC summit dinner in Singapore, after bringing forward his departure from Japan, a US official said. In Japan Obama gave a speech in which he said the United States did not seek to 'contain' China and promised an engaged US role in charting Asia's future. Getty
A Japanese security official stands watch as President Barack Obama, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama hold a joint news conference at Kantei, the official residence of the Japanese prime minister, in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. AP	US President Barack Obama (C-L) and Japan?s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama shake hands as Obama arrives for a bilateral meeting at the Kantei, the prime minister?s office in Tokyo on November 13, 2009. Obama set foot in Asia for the first time as US president, arriving in Japan to launch a four-nation tour d esigned to shore up US power in a region increasingly dominated by rising giant China. Getty
US President Barack Obama waves to wellwishers upon his arrival at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda on November 13, 2009. Obama kicked off his first tour of Asia with a visit to Japan, Washington's closest ally in a region increasingly dominated by rising giant China. Getty	A Japanese police officer is pictured guarding the U.S. embassy in downtown Tokyo November 13, 2009. U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Tokyo on Friday, kicking off his first Asian tour since becoming leader, during which he is expected to try to smooth troubled ties with Japan and deepen relations with China. Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama is seen through the window of his car as he approaches his hotel in downtown Tokyo November 13, 2009. Obama arrived in Tokyo on Friday, kicking off his first Asian tour since becoming leader, during which he is expected to try to smooth troubled ties with Japan and deepen relations with China. Reuters	U.S. President Barack Obama arrives at Tokyo International Airport on November 13, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. Obama is in Japan for two days prior to attending the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Singapore. Getty [Top right is Joe Clancy, head of Secret Service protection for Obama.]
US President Barack Obama greets troops and their families during a rally with US troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, November 12, 2009. The stopover marks Obama's first ever visit to Alaska, the first stop on an 8-day trip to Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. Getty	U.S. President Barack Obama (C) meets military service personnel and their families at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska November 12, 2009. Obama is en route to Tokyo to begin his first trip to Asia as President. Reuters
President Barack Obama greets troops and their families at Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska, Thursday Nov. 13, 2009. The President is traveling to Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. AP	The motorcade carrying U.S. President Barack Obama drives on the tarmac of Elmendorf Air Force Base under Air Force One in Alaska, November 12, 2009. Obama is en route to Tokyo to begin his first trip to Asia as president. Obama said on Thursday he planned to discuss a strategy with Asia Pacific leaders calling on their countries to import more U.S. goods and the world to rely less on exporting to the United States. Reuters
President Barack Obama shakes hands with military personnel and civilians during his visit Nov. 12, 2009, to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The president was at the base to meet with servicemembers and offer remarks to the local community.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tinese Treadwell)
US President Barack Obama walks out from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on November 12, 2009. Obama departed Thursday on his first tour of Asia, heading to Japan before later stops Singapore, China and South Korea on his week-long trip. Getty	Security personnel keep a lookout as US President Barack Obama arrives on Air Force One at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, November 12, 2009. Obama is on an 8-day trip to Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea, his first visit to the region as President, with a brief stop in Alaska to meet with US troops. Getty
US President Barack Obama greets service members before boarding Air Force One on October 27, 2009 before departing from Sarasota-Bradenton Airport in Sarasota, Florida. Obama is heading to Norfolk, Virginia, to attend a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds. Getty	U.S. President Barack Obama walks to his limousine after stepping off Air Force One in Boston, October 23, 2009. Obama travelled to Boston to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. Reuters