My contract ends at the end of the month and I finished at work yesterday. 2012 has been a memorable year for many of us and I am no exception.
As well as enjoying the Games I have had a great time going to events and winning various Olympic related prizes, including a Wenlock two weeks ago at the Podium legacy conference. I got two of the three winners of SPoTY correct and what an amazing line up that was! Next year's programme may seem pretty flat after this.
I am sad to say goodbye to colleagues, but I am happy with what I achieved and all the people I met. Four years ago I could never have imagined all the things that would happen to me.
A year ago I believed the Games would be great, but I could not have imagined just how successful Team GB would be or how much the public would enjoy it all.
Could Games Makers have thought that they would still be wearing their uniforms and being invited to events four months after the final Closing Ceremony? I bumped into two after the London conference two weeks and how that cheered me to see them! Perhaps we should ask them to dress up and turn up in central London every now and then to remind us how great it all was!
At the Legacy Conference what was clear was how high a bar London has set for those following behind, not least on recruiting and training volunteers. We take it for granted that people volunteer, but that isn't the case in every country. Glasgow 2014 isn't expecting recruiting to be hard!
London 2012 learnt a lot from Sydney. Others are learning from us.
Will there be legacy? Of course there will, and not all of it will be what we expect now. We need to look back in four years time and judge it then.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Thursday, 13 December 2012
The Special Olympics
Like me, you may have heard the phrase Special Olympics. Do you know what they are? I didn't!
The Special Olympics is the third arm of the Olympic movement. It is for athletes with a severe learning disability and an IQ of less thatn 75.
Unlike the elite and para Olympics there is no government funding to cover the cost of coaching, entering regional competitions, which they must enter in order to be eligible for the national games, or the cost of travel and accommodation at the games. Athletes may also have to include the cost of their carer.
The 2013 National Summer Games will be in Bath. If you want to support them please look online at www.sopd.org.uk
The Special Olympics is the third arm of the Olympic movement. It is for athletes with a severe learning disability and an IQ of less thatn 75.
Unlike the elite and para Olympics there is no government funding to cover the cost of coaching, entering regional competitions, which they must enter in order to be eligible for the national games, or the cost of travel and accommodation at the games. Athletes may also have to include the cost of their carer.
The 2013 National Summer Games will be in Bath. If you want to support them please look online at www.sopd.org.uk
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
This project is coming to an end so we are now thinking about evaluation and what we learnt. I am contributing to a Tool Kit which is aimed at passing on what we learnt.
Some of the things I believe to be unique about the project are:
It is really too early to look at legacy, but I do believe that the volunteering to take part in events will be popular.
Glasgow 2014 is starting to sign up volunteers now. I hope they are overwhelmed!
Some of the things I believe to be unique about the project are:
- Linking sports and arts into a large festival for young people
- Being linked to a national event
- Using student volunteers
- Bringing elite athletes to events to mix with with young people
- Holding events at universities so school pupils can see the facilities
- Inspiring thousands of young people to try something new and to volunteer
It is really too early to look at legacy, but I do believe that the volunteering to take part in events will be popular.
Glasgow 2014 is starting to sign up volunteers now. I hope they are overwhelmed!
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Sportswomen of the Year
The Sunday Times is asking for nominations in 10 categories so I am going to make some for the first time.
I did look back over some of the Games Highlights, but I was pretty clear about the people I wanted to nominate in most of them. I don't know enough to nominate a Coach of the Year, and I don't know individuals within British Cycling, but they certainly deserve a mention.
My Young Paralympian is Hannah Cockroft. I loved her fierce concentration and desire to win and then after she won she would smile and enjoy it all. What a great smile and laugh. She is someone who would be fun on a night out.
Sportswoman of the Year for me is Jessica Ennis. I cannot imagine how she managed to balance the different training for each event in the heptathlon and her ability to concentrate and stay focused despite the media attention and the crowds.
I wasn't sure what was meant by Team of the Year. Is it a discipline like athletics or a team like GB Football? I am nominating the three young women who won the cycling Team Pursuit and in doing so broke their own record each time. Each time that is they went on the track in the heats and then in the final.
The Award for Inspiration really deserves to be shared between many in both the Olympic and Paralympic teams and as I cannot choose one I am nominating Paralympic Team GB. They have inspired me. They have challenged our perceptions and taught us how to deal with people with disabilities.
I do think a nomination category is missing. How about a Mum of the Year? All the sports people acknowledge that they could not succeed without their family's support and we did hear some of their stories too. What they give up to support their child. How they are anxious for them.
The cameras look for Mrs Hoy, Sir Chris's mum, in the crowd. She is such good value as she covers her eyes and misses the win. I know how she feels!
Make your nominations at
www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sportswomenoftheyear2012
PS Two of these won on the night!
I did look back over some of the Games Highlights, but I was pretty clear about the people I wanted to nominate in most of them. I don't know enough to nominate a Coach of the Year, and I don't know individuals within British Cycling, but they certainly deserve a mention.
My Young Paralympian is Hannah Cockroft. I loved her fierce concentration and desire to win and then after she won she would smile and enjoy it all. What a great smile and laugh. She is someone who would be fun on a night out.
Sportswoman of the Year for me is Jessica Ennis. I cannot imagine how she managed to balance the different training for each event in the heptathlon and her ability to concentrate and stay focused despite the media attention and the crowds.
I wasn't sure what was meant by Team of the Year. Is it a discipline like athletics or a team like GB Football? I am nominating the three young women who won the cycling Team Pursuit and in doing so broke their own record each time. Each time that is they went on the track in the heats and then in the final.
The Award for Inspiration really deserves to be shared between many in both the Olympic and Paralympic teams and as I cannot choose one I am nominating Paralympic Team GB. They have inspired me. They have challenged our perceptions and taught us how to deal with people with disabilities.
I do think a nomination category is missing. How about a Mum of the Year? All the sports people acknowledge that they could not succeed without their family's support and we did hear some of their stories too. What they give up to support their child. How they are anxious for them.
The cameras look for Mrs Hoy, Sir Chris's mum, in the crowd. She is such good value as she covers her eyes and misses the win. I know how she feels!
Make your nominations at
www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sportswomenoftheyear2012
PS Two of these won on the night!
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Being there
I didn't say that I did go to two Olympic events. I went to a football match and to see the sailing.
The women's football games were in Cardiff. We had great seats, I was looking onto a goal. From the time we crossed the bridge into Wales there were signs telling us 'Olympics use jct 32'. That was really exciting. I had never attended a football match, never visited the Millennium Stadium and never been to an Olympic event so I felt happy to be at the first event of 2012.
Despite all the stuff about security things were straightforward and clearly they are used to large crowds. There were a lot of women present who were like me and had never been to see a football game so we didn't know the way to behave. I did think some instructions about the etiquette at a game would have been useful eg you cheer when the teams emerge with their flags; you cheer Team GB when they get within 20 feet of the goal and you groan when they miss.
We also wanted cups of tea at half time. The bar staff were polite, but clearly thought we were strange to be asking. Also if they do want women to go along to matches then they need to think about the food offerings. A bacon sandwich might be ok, but a scone and a cup of tea was what was wanted.
The sun shone down on us while we boiled, I had taken my sun hat and felt smug. At 9.15pm when we got back to the car it was 22C. In Cardiff!
I noticed that the Team GB Women were on tv last week. More coverage of women in sport would be a great legacy and a full stadium for the Wembley Games shows they do have support.
How do you know when a sailing race starts? I thought there would be a cannon firing. Instead there was a lot of moving around so I didn't know when it had actually started. It took the family next to us to confirm that things had got underway. That and the two helicopters overhead. Security was fine and failry low key for the crowd, but there was a large warship in the bay.
The town was en fete with some beautiful yachts dressed with flags and a number of Europeans and Aussies supporting their sailors. Again the sun shone and the bay looked lovely.
I still know nothing about sailing, but sitting in the sunshine watching the yachts and the people around you is a good way to pass an afternoon.
The women's football games were in Cardiff. We had great seats, I was looking onto a goal. From the time we crossed the bridge into Wales there were signs telling us 'Olympics use jct 32'. That was really exciting. I had never attended a football match, never visited the Millennium Stadium and never been to an Olympic event so I felt happy to be at the first event of 2012.
Despite all the stuff about security things were straightforward and clearly they are used to large crowds. There were a lot of women present who were like me and had never been to see a football game so we didn't know the way to behave. I did think some instructions about the etiquette at a game would have been useful eg you cheer when the teams emerge with their flags; you cheer Team GB when they get within 20 feet of the goal and you groan when they miss.
We also wanted cups of tea at half time. The bar staff were polite, but clearly thought we were strange to be asking. Also if they do want women to go along to matches then they need to think about the food offerings. A bacon sandwich might be ok, but a scone and a cup of tea was what was wanted.
The sun shone down on us while we boiled, I had taken my sun hat and felt smug. At 9.15pm when we got back to the car it was 22C. In Cardiff!
I noticed that the Team GB Women were on tv last week. More coverage of women in sport would be a great legacy and a full stadium for the Wembley Games shows they do have support.
How do you know when a sailing race starts? I thought there would be a cannon firing. Instead there was a lot of moving around so I didn't know when it had actually started. It took the family next to us to confirm that things had got underway. That and the two helicopters overhead. Security was fine and failry low key for the crowd, but there was a large warship in the bay.
The town was en fete with some beautiful yachts dressed with flags and a number of Europeans and Aussies supporting their sailors. Again the sun shone and the bay looked lovely.
I still know nothing about sailing, but sitting in the sunshine watching the yachts and the people around you is a good way to pass an afternoon.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
It can't be all over yet...
Seeing the flame go out at the Closing Ceremony after the Olympic Games was heart wrenching for me. For a few days I felt so sad. But then I realised that the Paralympics were coming along and cheered up, took time off work and sat and watched Channel 4 just as much as I could. Even when the sun shone!
After the Paralympics the flame went out again, but it was made clear it was being passed on and so that was ok. I am not sure how much more excitement and tension I could have coped with! This was my first experience of watching Paralympic sport and how fantastic it was. I truly just saw the sport and not the person's disability.
Highspots for me were British Cycling generally and Sir Chris Hoy in particular getting a further two medals. I did cry when he was presented with the second one. David Rudisha in the 800 metres. He ran so smoothly and what seemed to be effortlessly. He also ran like I have seen in newsreels of Jesse Owens. The crowds cheering fit to burst, particularly when there was a Brit involved and Jonny Peacock's 100 metres. Then afterwards him saying, "Oh that's annoying, I could have done it better."
I have a new hero, as Sir Chris is retiring, David Weir. 4 gold medals in a week on different distances. I had to go and get those stamps.
I always believed the Games would be well received, but I never expected just how much it caught people's imagination. The Torch Relay started it off and then it even stopped raining for most of the actual events.
As the news stays gloomy and we get into the winter and cold and fed up then I will think about the fun and excitement of it all and watch again on BBC or on the DVD due out at the end of October.
My final thought today was realising we are Team GB too. All of us.
And didn't we behave so well!
After the Paralympics the flame went out again, but it was made clear it was being passed on and so that was ok. I am not sure how much more excitement and tension I could have coped with! This was my first experience of watching Paralympic sport and how fantastic it was. I truly just saw the sport and not the person's disability.
Highspots for me were British Cycling generally and Sir Chris Hoy in particular getting a further two medals. I did cry when he was presented with the second one. David Rudisha in the 800 metres. He ran so smoothly and what seemed to be effortlessly. He also ran like I have seen in newsreels of Jesse Owens. The crowds cheering fit to burst, particularly when there was a Brit involved and Jonny Peacock's 100 metres. Then afterwards him saying, "Oh that's annoying, I could have done it better."
I have a new hero, as Sir Chris is retiring, David Weir. 4 gold medals in a week on different distances. I had to go and get those stamps.
I always believed the Games would be well received, but I never expected just how much it caught people's imagination. The Torch Relay started it off and then it even stopped raining for most of the actual events.
As the news stays gloomy and we get into the winter and cold and fed up then I will think about the fun and excitement of it all and watch again on BBC or on the DVD due out at the end of October.
My final thought today was realising we are Team GB too. All of us.
And didn't we behave so well!
Friday, 20 January 2012
Illuminating 2012
Next week I am helping my colleague in Bath with her Illuminate Bath event see the website www.illuminatebath.com for more details.
One of my jobs will be to get audience reaction. Sounds ok till I realised the event is from 5-8pm in January so it will be dark, chilly and probably wet. Oh lovely!
This week I was at an event at Exeter University titled The Sport of Science with four alumni talking about their role in London 2012. These included one who works for LOCOG and a member of the GB Men's Hockey squad. I didn't know only right handed people could play hockey, so as a left hander he is in goal.
What with that and talk of strength and conditioning I surprised myself by how much I understood!
One of my jobs will be to get audience reaction. Sounds ok till I realised the event is from 5-8pm in January so it will be dark, chilly and probably wet. Oh lovely!
This week I was at an event at Exeter University titled The Sport of Science with four alumni talking about their role in London 2012. These included one who works for LOCOG and a member of the GB Men's Hockey squad. I didn't know only right handed people could play hockey, so as a left hander he is in goal.
What with that and talk of strength and conditioning I surprised myself by how much I understood!
Thursday, 22 December 2011
2012 is almost here!
I have been doing my own review of 2011 and other RELAYS related things this week. I have had a great time and met lots of interesting people. Stand out moments were my interview to be a Games Maker and the anti-doping day for young people here on campus.
2012 looks like it will be really full on!
Already I will be at an event most months from January to July and there are bound to be more things coming along or where I go to help out. It ranges from Illuminate Bath in January to the Earth Festival on the Jurassic Coast between May and July with various sports events as well.
I just know so much more about sport, exercise and health than I did when I arrived here in April 2009. I hear myself speak and think, ha I sound like I know what I am talking about!
2012 looks like it will be really full on!
Already I will be at an event most months from January to July and there are bound to be more things coming along or where I go to help out. It ranges from Illuminate Bath in January to the Earth Festival on the Jurassic Coast between May and July with various sports events as well.
I just know so much more about sport, exercise and health than I did when I arrived here in April 2009. I hear myself speak and think, ha I sound like I know what I am talking about!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Devon Games to Inspire 2012
At the meeting in October we chose the venue as Okehampton so yesterday we had our first meeting there.The criticism from earlier events was that we were too slow in deciding on the sports and then getting the rules for them so that people could organise trials.
So now we are ahead and have chosen 18 sports including a Triathlon for the first time and quite a large Street Sports offer-scooters, skateboards and BMX for years 7-11. That is looking like it could be a mini Games! We are aiming to have the largest event ever.
As well as the sports we want to have dance displays, music, sports for people to try, mascots and anything else we can organise between now and next June. Our Silver Band will have to meet a few challenges like can they play a Lady Gaga hit and I am not sure when we fit in singing the National Anthem. A colleague has found the words online...
So now we are ahead and have chosen 18 sports including a Triathlon for the first time and quite a large Street Sports offer-scooters, skateboards and BMX for years 7-11. That is looking like it could be a mini Games! We are aiming to have the largest event ever.
As well as the sports we want to have dance displays, music, sports for people to try, mascots and anything else we can organise between now and next June. Our Silver Band will have to meet a few challenges like can they play a Lady Gaga hit and I am not sure when we fit in singing the National Anthem. A colleague has found the words online...
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Olympic posters
You may have seen these or if not look online at http://www.london2012.com/
I like them all. I have had a good look at them and even online they look really interesting. I cannot tell how big the wording is at the bottom that identifies them as to do with London 2012, but it doesn't look very large.
I have ordered three for work. This was hard as I tried to decide which ones they would like, which might not be what I would like! I have chosen the swimmer with the Olympic rings, (obvious) the word GO over a stopwatch (pop art style) and the RoseRose one as I like the soft colours - even if it isn't obvious how it relates to the Olympics without reading the blurb!
I looked through all the posters they have in the shop and it is interesting to see the London ones for 1908 and 1948. Very traditional and of their time and both show Parliament. We wouldn't be showing that building now, not after the expenses scandal.
The shop also sells ones from around the world for the Games of the twentieth century and you can see how designs and tastes change. There is even one with them all shown, but lots of other people must have liked that too as it is unavailable.
It will be interesting to get reactions!
I like them all. I have had a good look at them and even online they look really interesting. I cannot tell how big the wording is at the bottom that identifies them as to do with London 2012, but it doesn't look very large.
I have ordered three for work. This was hard as I tried to decide which ones they would like, which might not be what I would like! I have chosen the swimmer with the Olympic rings, (obvious) the word GO over a stopwatch (pop art style) and the RoseRose one as I like the soft colours - even if it isn't obvious how it relates to the Olympics without reading the blurb!
I looked through all the posters they have in the shop and it is interesting to see the London ones for 1908 and 1948. Very traditional and of their time and both show Parliament. We wouldn't be showing that building now, not after the expenses scandal.
The shop also sells ones from around the world for the Games of the twentieth century and you can see how designs and tastes change. There is even one with them all shown, but lots of other people must have liked that too as it is unavailable.
It will be interesting to get reactions!
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Everyone's a winner
Last Wednesday we organised the Devon Ability Games to Inspire in Barnstaple. There were twice as many kids as last year and more schools involved. 252 kids and 7 schools plus teachers and helpers, 40 volunteers and 4 RELAYS staff. Controlled mayhem.
The kids could choose up to three sports from tennis, badminton, boccia, rowing, football and frisbee golf and two things to try fencing and racing wheelchairs. The fencing was very popular as they all wanted to be pirates. All the kids had a marvellous time.
Two special guests were Ryan Scott a sprinter and Keryn Seal a Paralympian footballer in blind football. They were great with the kids, signing autographs, chatting to them, encouraging them and posing for photos.
The kids were very well behaved with only a couple throwing wobblies. The young volunteers from Petroc were great. Good humoured, friendly and reliable. They were also about 16 and had to get themselves organised as there were too few of us to do that.
The coaches recommend the people who tried hardest for medals and those called forward were so delighted. The joy on their faces was fantastic. We had also got last minute Mandeville's to give out to each school and they seemed pretty happy to receive them.
One particularly good sport teacher dressed as a Kangaroo and went around hugging kids. He did complain that they thought he was a dog! I think it was the big ears. Well done Matt for getting into a smelly costume and making the kids laugh.
I am still shattered, but it was unforgettable.
The kids could choose up to three sports from tennis, badminton, boccia, rowing, football and frisbee golf and two things to try fencing and racing wheelchairs. The fencing was very popular as they all wanted to be pirates. All the kids had a marvellous time.
Two special guests were Ryan Scott a sprinter and Keryn Seal a Paralympian footballer in blind football. They were great with the kids, signing autographs, chatting to them, encouraging them and posing for photos.
The kids were very well behaved with only a couple throwing wobblies. The young volunteers from Petroc were great. Good humoured, friendly and reliable. They were also about 16 and had to get themselves organised as there were too few of us to do that.
The coaches recommend the people who tried hardest for medals and those called forward were so delighted. The joy on their faces was fantastic. We had also got last minute Mandeville's to give out to each school and they seemed pretty happy to receive them.
One particularly good sport teacher dressed as a Kangaroo and went around hugging kids. He did complain that they thought he was a dog! I think it was the big ears. Well done Matt for getting into a smelly costume and making the kids laugh.
I am still shattered, but it was unforgettable.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Velodrome scaletrix
It's here. The Velodrome scaletrix I mentioned in an earlier post.
I have just seen it advertised on the www.London2012.com website on the shopping pages. It is expensive at £70, but if only my baby nephews were a bit older I would be thinking seriously about it.
As it is I have sent the link to my brother the keen cyclist. I think he will be able to come up with a reason as to why he should get one
I have just seen it advertised on the www.London2012.com website on the shopping pages. It is expensive at £70, but if only my baby nephews were a bit older I would be thinking seriously about it.
As it is I have sent the link to my brother the keen cyclist. I think he will be able to come up with a reason as to why he should get one
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Wheels on fire
Last week the Tour of Britain cycle race came to Devon for a day. A sunny day after some of the other stages. I was there on the side of the road watching and waiting for the information car to come through.
When I saw the helicopter overhead I knew they were close, even though it was earlier than expected. Then there are the police and support motorcycles coming through and their sirens blaring at the kids from the primary school. The kids were literally jumping up and down and cheering and laughing.
Suddenly two riders came through. Was this a breakaway? I didn't even clap them, though the kids did. They were ahead of the information and I never did find out who they were.
People in the villages nearby where the race also passed through were out on their picnic chairs. Cars were grabbing spots in local laybys. Flags had been put out along main streets and welcome banners. It could have been France!
Crediton High Street was a sprint location and I can tell you that those guys go very fast. About a dozen of them in a line four minutes or so ahead of the main peleton, so more motorcycles and support vehicles with bikes on top. It's not just the cyclists to watch, all the support vehicles join in tooting and flashing their lights at the kids. The ambulance with its siren too. It is really exciting.
For kids in rural Devon to see this and meet riders ,as Devon County Council had organised, must be tremendous. Something you will never forget.
Mark Cavendish and his teammate were first and second for that stage and a local lad from Plymouth won the King of the Mountain stages on Dartmoor. I think he almost killed himself.
I love the people writing 'Come on Cav' on the road into Crediton, the men in cycling gear riding parts of the route, the family with Norwegian and Devon flags. We are told it brings in money to the local economy, but frankly I am pleased to see so many folk smiling and laughing and clapping.
The French use the Tour to promote French tourism, food and culture. We are catching on fast!
You can see some great photos of the Devon and other stages at www.BritishCycling.com/
When I saw the helicopter overhead I knew they were close, even though it was earlier than expected. Then there are the police and support motorcycles coming through and their sirens blaring at the kids from the primary school. The kids were literally jumping up and down and cheering and laughing.
Suddenly two riders came through. Was this a breakaway? I didn't even clap them, though the kids did. They were ahead of the information and I never did find out who they were.
People in the villages nearby where the race also passed through were out on their picnic chairs. Cars were grabbing spots in local laybys. Flags had been put out along main streets and welcome banners. It could have been France!
Crediton High Street was a sprint location and I can tell you that those guys go very fast. About a dozen of them in a line four minutes or so ahead of the main peleton, so more motorcycles and support vehicles with bikes on top. It's not just the cyclists to watch, all the support vehicles join in tooting and flashing their lights at the kids. The ambulance with its siren too. It is really exciting.
For kids in rural Devon to see this and meet riders ,as Devon County Council had organised, must be tremendous. Something you will never forget.
Mark Cavendish and his teammate were first and second for that stage and a local lad from Plymouth won the King of the Mountain stages on Dartmoor. I think he almost killed himself.
I love the people writing 'Come on Cav' on the road into Crediton, the men in cycling gear riding parts of the route, the family with Norwegian and Devon flags. We are told it brings in money to the local economy, but frankly I am pleased to see so many folk smiling and laughing and clapping.
The French use the Tour to promote French tourism, food and culture. We are catching on fast!
You can see some great photos of the Devon and other stages at www.BritishCycling.com/
Friday, 9 September 2011
Look and Learn
I used to get a magazine called Look and Learn which was a general knowledge full colour magazine for kids with intellectual pretensions. I did not realise the last part at that time!
Watching the World Athletics from South Korea last week I realised just how much I have learnt about sport, and athletics in particular, in the last two years. I now understand some of the tactics and listen to the commentators in order to learn more. And it does help my enjoyment to understand and appreciate what is going on! Colin Jackson talking about the hurdler Sally Pearson made me watch what she was doing really carefully. Well, the slo-mo repeats.
I know, how nerdy am I?
Last night I watched a Diamond League evening of athletics from Zurich with some of the same athletes. Not all the big stars were there, but there were ones who didn't do well last week or who were left out of their teams and came along to show what they can do. So the British Relay men got around the track and didn't false start or drop the baton or bump into anyone or trip over and came 2nd. Hooray! It is like Michael Johnson says, "Get in the Final and anything can happen"
That's my mantra for life now.
I thought the Brits would win, but a Jamaican ran like he was on fire and took the race for his team. And that team was described as a scratch team-so not even the B team! Those folk are fantastic. They also seem to enjoy winning so much and they are fun to watch. As Mark Lewis-Francis said:
"I got run down by a Jamaican. But I can't complain about that."
The crowd last night were really supporting the athletes as the noise was noticeable even on tv. They were clapping and banging the barriers. The atmosphere must have been wonderful. I ended up exhausted on the sofa!
Watching the World Athletics from South Korea last week I realised just how much I have learnt about sport, and athletics in particular, in the last two years. I now understand some of the tactics and listen to the commentators in order to learn more. And it does help my enjoyment to understand and appreciate what is going on! Colin Jackson talking about the hurdler Sally Pearson made me watch what she was doing really carefully. Well, the slo-mo repeats.
I know, how nerdy am I?
Last night I watched a Diamond League evening of athletics from Zurich with some of the same athletes. Not all the big stars were there, but there were ones who didn't do well last week or who were left out of their teams and came along to show what they can do. So the British Relay men got around the track and didn't false start or drop the baton or bump into anyone or trip over and came 2nd. Hooray! It is like Michael Johnson says, "Get in the Final and anything can happen"
That's my mantra for life now.
I thought the Brits would win, but a Jamaican ran like he was on fire and took the race for his team. And that team was described as a scratch team-so not even the B team! Those folk are fantastic. They also seem to enjoy winning so much and they are fun to watch. As Mark Lewis-Francis said:
"I got run down by a Jamaican. But I can't complain about that."
The crowd last night were really supporting the athletes as the noise was noticeable even on tv. They were clapping and banging the barriers. The atmosphere must have been wonderful. I ended up exhausted on the sofa!
Friday, 26 August 2011
Tickets, Tickets
I know I have a job related to promoting London 2012, but I don't have a special way of getting tickets for events. No, truly I don't. Even athletes have to go online.
The Paralympic tickets will go on sale soon so you might like to check on www.london2012.com/tickets for the latest information, timings etc to plan what you want to see. I don't know how popular these will be, but judging by the initial phase and the fact that they are far cheaper I'd guess pretty popular!
The Day tickets may also include a way of getting to an event, but I wasn't entirely clear about that from the website.
Two other current options are to look at the Thomas Cook website as they have an allocation of tickets or use any contacts overseas to buy them via their IOC. Later on there will be a website for people to sell their allocated tickets they don't want and any that come back from overseas.
Or go in for competitions for them. Lloyds Bank customers can do that.
OK, no more requests for me to get you tickets please. I am thinking of the Beatles song Ticket to Ride for some reason...
The Paralympic tickets will go on sale soon so you might like to check on www.london2012.com/tickets for the latest information, timings etc to plan what you want to see. I don't know how popular these will be, but judging by the initial phase and the fact that they are far cheaper I'd guess pretty popular!
The Day tickets may also include a way of getting to an event, but I wasn't entirely clear about that from the website.
Two other current options are to look at the Thomas Cook website as they have an allocation of tickets or use any contacts overseas to buy them via their IOC. Later on there will be a website for people to sell their allocated tickets they don't want and any that come back from overseas.
Or go in for competitions for them. Lloyds Bank customers can do that.
OK, no more requests for me to get you tickets please. I am thinking of the Beatles song Ticket to Ride for some reason...
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Games Makers
I was invited along to the Games Maker selection event in Plymouth last week. I was interested to see how it was organised.
I handed over my passsport and had a photo taken. I was given a white wristband, but forgot to ask what the white meant...I assume it was for a general volunteer. There were plenty of Cadbury's heros around to munch as Cadbury's, now Kraft, is a sponsor.
There was some information to read and a couple of videos playing showing the Olympic Park and giving information about The Games. Then we were all ushered into a space to see a film about the interview. This was hosted by Eddie Izzard and basically told us to relax and tell the interviewer how great we were.
The interviewers were all local people and I can confirm that as I knew two of them whom I saw when I was leaving. Just shows you how small a place Devon is!
What I said was written down and I guess will be reviewed in London and we will hear about December. Plymouth was the last place they visited and they were there for ten days. A good thing was they had chosen the time of the Firework Championships on the Hoe so they were all looking forward to going out in the evening and watching the displays.
People did look tired and I was on the penultimate day. The staff I met were all friendly and pleasant and obviously understood that they were marketing LOCOG. Well apart from the young man on the shop counter who looked at the floor and never smiled. I doubt he sold much!
The people who were being interviewed all seemed really keen to be involved and I hope that they get the chance to be part of London 2012. I now wear my wristband and impress my colleagues. I wonder how many Exeter students have been interviewed? I will know soon!
I handed over my passsport and had a photo taken. I was given a white wristband, but forgot to ask what the white meant...I assume it was for a general volunteer. There were plenty of Cadbury's heros around to munch as Cadbury's, now Kraft, is a sponsor.
There was some information to read and a couple of videos playing showing the Olympic Park and giving information about The Games. Then we were all ushered into a space to see a film about the interview. This was hosted by Eddie Izzard and basically told us to relax and tell the interviewer how great we were.
The interviewers were all local people and I can confirm that as I knew two of them whom I saw when I was leaving. Just shows you how small a place Devon is!
What I said was written down and I guess will be reviewed in London and we will hear about December. Plymouth was the last place they visited and they were there for ten days. A good thing was they had chosen the time of the Firework Championships on the Hoe so they were all looking forward to going out in the evening and watching the displays.
People did look tired and I was on the penultimate day. The staff I met were all friendly and pleasant and obviously understood that they were marketing LOCOG. Well apart from the young man on the shop counter who looked at the floor and never smiled. I doubt he sold much!
The people who were being interviewed all seemed really keen to be involved and I hope that they get the chance to be part of London 2012. I now wear my wristband and impress my colleagues. I wonder how many Exeter students have been interviewed? I will know soon!
Thursday, 28 July 2011
DASH Games
It was the hottest day so far this summer and the venue at St Luke's school in Exeter was great. The coaches worked hard to give everyone a good time; and it was everyone. The kids, aged from 3 to 15, and the carers who joined in.
I have enjoyed all the days I have attended, but I was so moved on Monday. Kids who have had difficult lives were being given a special day. The organisers ran themselves ragged making sure everyone was having fun and joining in.
London 2012 is being used to encourage more people to get active. I would like the naysayers to come along to the next DASH event and to take part in the many local activities that are being organised.
I have enjoyed all the days I have attended, but I was so moved on Monday. Kids who have had difficult lives were being given a special day. The organisers ran themselves ragged making sure everyone was having fun and joining in.
London 2012 is being used to encourage more people to get active. I would like the naysayers to come along to the next DASH event and to take part in the many local activities that are being organised.
Friday, 22 July 2011
(Nearly) One Year to Go!
This weekend is the Open Weekend for lots of cultural events. Not any near me, but plenty in London and other cities.
On Monday it is the DASH Games in Devon. These are for looked-after and disabled children in the area and thank goodness someone thought to put on something especially for them. RELAYS is working with the County Council and lots of other partners to run this.
I am invited along and I want to try and get some names for young people to nominate to take part in the Torch Relay via Lloyds Bank. It would be great to see some kids who haven't had much support in life being recognised.
On Wednesday evening it is a Team Devon evening to bring us all up to date on the plans for 2012. In Devon there are to be two overnight stops with the Torch Relays so two chances for fireworks!
Then no events for a month so I can stop and take a breather.
On Monday it is the DASH Games in Devon. These are for looked-after and disabled children in the area and thank goodness someone thought to put on something especially for them. RELAYS is working with the County Council and lots of other partners to run this.
I am invited along and I want to try and get some names for young people to nominate to take part in the Torch Relay via Lloyds Bank. It would be great to see some kids who haven't had much support in life being recognised.
On Wednesday evening it is a Team Devon evening to bring us all up to date on the plans for 2012. In Devon there are to be two overnight stops with the Torch Relays so two chances for fireworks!
Then no events for a month so I can stop and take a breather.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
100% Me!
I helped with an Anti-doping day at Exeter last week run by Scientists in Sport with UK Anti-doping and others.
Did you know that at London 2012 they will test for over 2000 banned substances? What do you think should happen to athletes who fail a test? A lifetime ban, a four year ban or disqualification and bad publicity?
Did you know that at London 2012 they will test for over 2000 banned substances? What do you think should happen to athletes who fail a test? A lifetime ban, a four year ban or disqualification and bad publicity?
Olympian Jason Gardener believed there should be bans.
These and other points led to lively discussions with the 13 year olds present.
Read more on the University website at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/
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