New Experiences #74 + #75: Olympic Special
I don't know about you, kind reader, but I was completely swept up by London 2012. The following two new experiences are taken from across a fortnight and, other than a lot of gawping at the Beeb, tell you exactly how I got involved in our (mostly) successful Olympics. Oh and I pray to Lord Coe that I don't get sued for using the O word, no infringement intended.
New Experience #74: Volunteering At The Olympics
As the Olympic football came to the Millennium Stadium, it was time to put my training (#40), and my wonderfully pink kit (#58) into good use and take to the streets of Cardiff. I had three six-hour shifts over three separate dates and after briefings in City Hall, strode out to direct, inform and welcome the streams of visitors. I met some lovely folks, spoke some French, was interviewed by Kazakhstani and (South) Korean television, danced with some Brazilians and under a huge (South) Korean flag and enjoyed the company of the other volunteers. Other than the regular stormy outbursts, the only lowlight was having to spend an extra two hours trying to cheer up GB fans post-penalty defeat, as they queued endlessly for the calamitously unorganised park and ride. Whilst my sharing of medal news from the track perked up many, I didn't get home 'til past twelve and had been on my feet since four. A suitably Olympic effort, I hope you'll agree!
Rating: 5/5 To help out at an Olympic event in my hometown was a brilliant way to engage in the games and I honestly loved every minute. You get such a buzz when you're part of a big event and get to wear a fluorescent pink vest, I recommend!
New Experience #75: Attending Olympic Events
The ticketing system was perhaps the biggest let-down of the games and I was gutted to hear that I hadn't received any. However, as a volunteer at the football I was offered tickets on each shift by passers-by or stadium staff so caught some of the games. Although the quality of the football wasn't inspiring, the atmosphere was very family friendly and put usual footie crowds to shame. I then went down to London town to watch the marathon and on the packed streets cheered on some of the most incredible athletes in the world without need of a ticket or, thankfully, a brolly. I got to soak up the buzz of the final weekend of the Olympics and get a peak at the Olympic Park through a John Lewis window with my whole family and a huge smile. A lovely day.
Rating: 5/5 Being part of a crowd cheering on athletes we had never heard of from countries that I could often not locate brilliantly summed up the London Olympics for me. We proved that we can be very welcoming as a nation and pulled together admirably to support some amazing people. Well done LOCOG and good luck Rio!
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IMAGE: New by chrisinplymouth
