A Games Maker's view of the 2012 London Olympics

 

I applied to work as a volunteer at the Olympics over a year ago. The selection process was quite rigorous but very well organised, as was the training that took place over the first seven months of this year. Firstly, orientation training in snowy February, followed by role specific training, and finally venue training. We were issued with a smart purple and scarlet uniform that is ours to keep. I was assigned to the International Badminton Federation Services (IF) Team at Wembley Arena. We were a small team of 10, and our role was to greet the International Federation officials from across the world, and ensure that their needs were met during the event. Four of our team were official drivers and the remainder, in shifts of 2, manned the International Federation lounge. My first three shifts were before the Games started. In order to get to Wembley by 6am I caught the 4.23am train from Hertford, never having previously been aware that such a train existed! Even though the early hour was a shock to the system it was still fun and surprisingly convivial on the train with other travellers interested to know what I was going to be doing. That interest and support continued throughout and was one of the best memories I have.

Our initial duties consisted of setting up the lounge and carrying out duties requested by the staff of the IF based in Kuala Lumpur. Wembley Arena is vast and has a complex series of basement corridors and offices and it took time to find my way around. Three vast practice halls were erected across the road from the arena with a tunnel linking them to the Arena. Once all the officials had arrived we were there to ensure that only suitably accredited officials could come into the lounge, and to provide information and assistance to those who requested it. There were humorous moments, such as the overflowing chocolate fountain, whose branded base had been covered to prevent advertising, and had consequently overheated during an important reception! I made some good new friends and had the thrill of being involved in the Olympic Games in London. What an experience!