Yahoo Wireless 2013 Newham Volunteers 12/7/13- by Alister Albert

Friday 12th July 2013- 26 degrees Celsius.

“On your mark…”

With the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park nearly complete and almost ready for future public use, the events for the Park during the Summer of 2013 will test the readiness of Newham as a major venue host and hopefully prove that the success leading from the outstanding Olympic festivities of 2012 was not a fluke.

Coming back to the park for me specifically, as a previous volunteer cast member of the Olympic ceremonies was definitely nostalgic. Firstly when coming into the stadium entrance and seeing the twisted steel structures of the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower and the now world famous Olympic Stadium up close again was almost as breath-taking as seeing them the first time!

The steady stream of spectators walking in and around Westfield Stratford City and then into the Park's upbeat atmosphere (absolutely not as busy as July 2012, mainly because it was still just 3pm and the main act- Justin Timberlake- is set to headline at 9pm) was also a pleasure to see. The anticipation of a good show very apparent on their faces. They looked really excited, similar to those moments during Summer 2012.

Also looking at the stadium itself, it seemed like in the distance I could almost see the fireworks and the sight of the several colours of national flags seen during those glorious weeks last year. It all came rushing back to me, as I walked in and gazed upon the vastness of the Park; almost like it was an automatic mental photoshopped image. I haven't entered the stadium yet though, no one has anyway, apart from ground staff and other VIPs, but I imagine that would be equally overwhelming.
 

Park Champions Manager Nancy Whiskin clarifying the day's instructions

When the 3pm Park Champions shift came to sign in and assemble for their briefing you could feel the sense of excitement coming from the group. I can safely say that volunteerism is alive and well here in Newham! With the Way Finders, Team Leaders and foam fingers all ready, they were sent off to their previously agreed locations to greet, assist and direct the festival goers to where they needed to be. Placed at most entry and exit points around  Stratford station, along the “Rusty Bridge”and along the Street and Chestnut Plaza areas of Westfield Stratford City mall, the Park Champions, with their smiles and knowledge of the area helped guide spectators to the queuing sections for entry to the Park. From the pictures below you can see they enjoyed doing it too, with most taking the opportunity to flash their biggest smiles and interact with any and everyone who needed assistance! A job well done I can say!
  


Park Champion in action giving an explanation to spectator

   


Park Champions helping with "way finding" on the Rusty Bridge

 



All SMILES! Another Park Champion helping at one of the escalators near Stratford tube station

From the amusement park atmosphere and that really high sky ride that spun people round, to the endless array of food, drinks and thousands of gorgeous people around, it's hard to even think that a couple of years ago people thought the concerns of the weather, hosting costs and transport efficiency could affect the success of the Games and a legacy would be hard to develop...Boy were those naysayers wrong! The 2012 Games delivered against all expectations and apparently has continued to do so…so far anyway, with everything running very smoothly at this large event.

It's only one year since the Games, but not only is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park paying itself off in more ways than one (or so I'd like to think) but it’s also doing its part in shining the light on these awesome Park Champions and helping make Stratford and the East destination #1 in London. For music lovers at least this weekend, Stratford is without a doubt the hot ticket destination right now! It's all happening here!

Stay tuned for more of the sights and sounds from our Park Champions from the Yahoo Wireless 2013 music festival!