Fourteen Olympics: July 2012

Had a brilliant day yesterday....I was not far from West Ham Underground Station, at the bottom of a set of steps leading to the greenway, which takes the spectators to the Olympic Park. I decided that everyone's Olympic experience had to be the best. Rather than standing pointing my pink finger, like others were, I took a much more animated approach! Usain Bolt pointing, cabin crew exits at the front, sweeping movements, all directing the spectators to the steps. It was well received...I had my picture taken at least 50 times, captured on video, cheered on and praised, both by spectators and fellow Gamesmakers!! Some of the comments I received were:
"If there was a gold medal for volunteering you would win it"
"Can I take your picture as I want to send it to Mitt Romney, as how can anyone get lost when we are being directed by people like you"
"Great pointing"
"You love your job, I can tell. I want one like that"
All in all, a wicked working day, I hope I made a positive difference to the spectators Olympic experience. Then to cap it all off I met a friend, Julian, in the Heineken Garden for beers and cheered on our gymnasts to bronze...I could hear the crowds cheering Tom Daley from the aquatic centre too! A brilliant atmosphere, London is rockin' man!
Mum and Dad coming down for the day today, off to Beach Volleyball at Horseguards Parade! Both mens and womens.....

Day 3 30th July 2012

7am start so caught train at 5.13....now on briefing. Had a great afternoon yesterday, got hold of the megaphone!! Day off tomorrow, lay in! Sunny again today, brought my sunscreen.

Day 2 July 29th 2012

Sunday morning, no trains so it's night buses all the way I reckon. Am on the N87 heading towards Trafalgar Square. As I got on the bus a young guy got on as well and said "off to Stratford mate, you're on for a journey this morning!". A fellow Gamesmaker! There are at least another 4 on this bus . Think I'll follow the crowd. Reckon 3 buses. All for the love of the Games. At least I got more sleep last night, 5 hours. Update later.

West Ham 20 Team

Here it is, my Gamesmaker Uniform! All kitted out, now the fun begins.....

Day 1 28th July

After a wicked opening ceremony, only 3 hours sleep, here I am on the train station platform, bumped into another Gamesmaker!! Great to get started. Here I go!

Fellow volunteers

At the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, met some cool fellow volunteers. Was great to be in and around the stadium. Looks well good.

Bring on the Games!

On the train, just got my wine...so excited. I applied to be a volunteer in Oct 2010 and here I am on my way! Had a brill experience so far and I've not even started my shifts. 1st one tomorrow! I've watched many Olympics and to be part of the London games makes me very proud.

Save the secret July 25th 2012

What an amazing' time at the park, drinks, friendly people and a brilliant show. You're in for a treat tomorrow night folks, that's all I can say!

Countdown

35 days to the Paralympics, go Dave Weir

Stadium here I come!

On my way, note the wine! An additional freebie during the week! Lovely. It's 30 degrees in London, got my sunscreen, sunnies, shorts and cap. Goodbye cloud, hello sun. Am wondering if I'll get to wander round the park this time.....

On Holiday!

On holiday until the 20th August! Not sure about the athlete's but I have struck gold!

Rehearsal Update 25 July 2012

It's Wednesday morning and I'm getting ready to head to the Olympic Park for the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony. Heard some good stuff about the rehearsal on Monday so looking forward to this. Hope to get to the countdown timer beforehand! Early start back tomorrow though, off to Newcastle for Olympic Football....Gabon v Switzerland at St James Park.

1 week to go

Only 7 days till it all begins. Got my train tickets to the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony on Wednesday. Will be my 1st time in the stadium. Taking mum and dad to beach volleyball! That should be a sight for sore eyes!! It's still raining.

Thames Walk June 30th 2012

Strolling along the Thames on the north side. Peaceful, warm, joggers, chatting.

Last mile way finder

I will be assisting spectators in the last mile from the nearest hub stations to the park. I am based at either Stratford or Victoria Park Gates. I will have my uniform, bright pink hi viz sleeveless jacket, maybe a megaphone, maybe up an umpires chair & likely a massive foam finger! And if course a smile for the visitors!! Bring it on, only 12 days to go!!!! Getting more excited by the day, hope I don't peak too soon!!

In the Olympic Park! July 8th 2012

I'm in. Training in the handball arena i.e. the Copperbox. Not allowed to freely walk around the park yet. My accreditation will allow to when the Games start. London Games 1948 legacy was using volunteers. They have been used at every Games since.