James Rose Entry 3

Saturday 27th July 2013: Sainsbury's Anniversary Games (Day 2)

Saturday 27th July 2013 was my third-time volunteering as Park Champion but it was somewhat different from my previous shifts.  I had an air of deep joy whilst having a heart-aching desire to go back one year when I was in the final rehearsal before performing in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.  The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games brought back a lot of memories causing my emotional landscape to fluctuate dramatically!  It was my first time since London 2012 at walking across Bridge B towards the stadium.  Plus, that morning, I had to pick up another accreditation in addition to my NewhamActive ID laminate.  My hairs stood on edge as I approached the stadium whilst smelling that London 2012 smell.

That day was different – I can only talk for myself, but it felt that our volunteer roles that day were more crucial than ever.  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was hosting the Open East Festival as well as the Anniversary Games both of which needed the assistance from us – the Park Champions (cue the heroic music whilst we stand with our hands on our hips)!  I was asked to go around the park to collect feedback for this blog as well as a report I write for the volunteer team.  So I did my usual thing of going around with my assistant speaking with my fellow volunteers to see how they felt about what they were doing.  A lot of us were constantly being asked by the visitors for directions to the nearest loo.  This seems to be an overarching theme running throughout the events this summer.  One thing is for certain; there is always a lot of urination going on at these events!

In between interviewing volunteers, I was excited to find two of the vehicles which were featured in the Paralympics Closing Ceremony truck invasion.  Actually, I performed close to the ‘THE BEAST FROM THE EAST ‘  (I think that is what it’s called anyway!); a fact which called for a photo of me posing in front of it!

As the day went on, my role changed when I put myself forward to distribute water to volunteers.  As with any large-scale events, despite how much planning is done, things can go in another direction, and this is the beauty about working at these types of events – anything can happen.  And that is exactly what happened!  There was suddenly a need for somebody to ensure that water got around to the volunteers.  I found myself filling that need.  Boring?  Nope.  I knew that I was being useful, so I got on with it!  My fellow volunteers were pleased when they saw water coming their way!

By this time, it was time to go home before the mad rush started of the crowds exiting the park.  I went home only to prepare myself for the next day back at the park!

Thanks,
J