Road to Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games : A Volunteer's Journey!

Whilst around the world our  athletes are rigorously training for what could be the greatest opportunity of their life... Many volunteers are sitting on the edge of their seat, waiting to find out if they're going to have the opportunity to support those athletes hoping to turn their dreams into reality.

Here's an insight to the road to Rio, from a volunteers point of view...

1st September 2014: Application Submitted!

Less than a month after volunteering at Glasgow 2014 Common Wealth Games I decided to set my sights on Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Why not I thought? Perfect way to celebrate handing in my PhD thesis. 

Yes just to clarify - the date isn't wrong! Applications opened just short of 2 years before the actual event. You have to be prepared if you really do want to get involved in some of the worlds greatest sporting events!

Not long after my application was submitted the first stage of the process was complete via the Online Dynamics Game. This was a great way of finding out how people respond to various takes and challenges a volunteer faces in their role. It was also a good way of Rio 2016 to find out exactly why volunteers are wanting to be involved.

27th November 2014: Language Levelling!

On my application I stated I had a basic level of French, Italian & Portuguese. Whilst volunteering at the British Figure Skating Championships 2 emails dropped in my inbox...

Uhoh! I didn't think I'd only have a month to revise my French and Italian from my GCSE's!

Anyways...with the help of Duolingo I set myself the challenge of doing 'half decent'.

On a day between Christmas and New Year, I found myself sitting in Newcastle University's Robinson Library completing my language levelling exams!

The good news being they deemed me as having an intermediate Italian level and a upper-intermediate French level. I surprised myself...and no I didn't cheat.

11th February - It's time to learn about the Rio 2016 Sports!

Now fearing the Portuguese language levelling email, I was happy to see this land in my inbox. It was time to learn all about the sports in Rio.

7th August 2015 - Interview time

Having past the language levelling and been through the Online Dynamics test, I was excited to receive an email in July, just after returning from Baku 2015, inviting me to interview!

Having interviewed volunteers for London 2015 and Rugby World Cup 2015, and been interviewed for Glasgow 2014, I thought I roughly knew what to expect from a volunteer interview. I was mistaken, massively!

Firstly this was an online group interview - in English. There were about 12 of us on the call. Secondly the interview was not done with respect to a particular functional area.

The host showed us a very inspirational video really setting the scene and getting us excited for Rio 2016. After that we were shown a brief slide show telling us more about the expectations of Rio and what we could expect being a volunteer. The first thing each of us was asked to do was introduce ourselves and tell the group which athlete inspired us most. Anyone who knows me will know before I even say.... I chose Seb, or Lord Coe as others like to call him ;-)

Next up was our task. We, as a group, were tasked with coming up with a slogan and jingle to be used to advertise the games, with the values of the games in mind. Wow... I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting to be grilled on my experience and skills. Luckily I have a creative side.

[apologies to the lady for the very unflattering picture!]

By the end of it, I thought the interview had went well. I can't remember what our slogan or jingle turned out to be in the end. In fairness it was all a bit of a blur. Guess I have to wait and see what the outcome is!

27th November 2015 - BREAKING NEWS!

Today, 'Black Friday' I woke up to a news article from Rio 2016 stating they'd accepted 50,000 volunteers of 70,000 and by typing in your email you could find out if you were one of the first to be chosen. I won't lie, I was so so so nervous typing my email into that box! But never mind.... It was good news! Rio 2016 here I come!!!

I love love love that Rio had allowed all 50,000 of the volunteers already chosen to find out all together. Usually with event's there's a drip feed of acceptance across the different functional areas. This meant we all were able to celebrate together. 

Now the wait begins to find out expect what role I've been allocated.... we shall see! 

Sunday 27th April 2016 - I thought I best update you!

Back in December I receive a role for both the Olympics and Paralympics - I thought all my luck had come at once, until I realised what the role was.

**Warning - rant included!**

Now don't get me wrong, I'll give anything a go and get stuck in where I'm needed - however when a role includes some translation work - have they heard my Geordie French/Italian??? Given the role included working with the media/press and booking conference rooms etc. I'm quite anti-media when it comes to volunteering, I'm all for supporting athletes, most of who aren't actually paid for what they do (yeah ok most are sponsored these days but that's different!) however the media are carrying out a paid job, they're there to make money for their media outlet. This is why I feel uncomfortable travelling half way around the world, using my own money to help people who are there, paid for by their work, make a fortune? Everyone has their own motivations for volunteering. Mine is not to support the media.

**Rant over :-) **

As Rio have an awesome online chat facility I spoke to a guy there who told me not to worry about not feeling comfortable with me role, and that I should just not accept it and I'd have a new role in 10 days time to accept! Awesome I thought. However, 10 days came and went. At the end of January I returned to the online chat and was accused of 'not accepting my role' even though the previous guy had opened a case for my enquiry. At this point I was assured not to worry as my role would be reallocated by the end of February. February came and went, with no role in my inbox - what was going on? I returned to the online chat - again I was accused of not accepting my role and again I was told the deadline for roles was now May.

Given it's now coming to the middle of April I decided to enquire this time through their Facebook page to ask if I was on the only one waiting. Yet again I was accused of not accepting my role, yet again I went on to explain this is what I'd be instructed to do. Next thing I know, my phone is ringing with a very odd number - a call from Rio 2016! Apparently I'd be given the wrong information back in December and that they could only now guarantee I'd receive a new role by the end of JUNE! Given the Olympics starts 5th August and volunteers are advised to arrive a few days ahead, this would leave me 1 month to sort logistics. Would accommodation still be available? Would there even be flights left by then? Who knows.

The worst thing about it is Rio 2016 also keep removing my post from their Facebook. I didn't think Rio would be against transparency, but it appears they don't want the truth out there...slightly worrying!

I think it's time I withdrew my application..... annoying given I've saved up for the last few years to go and that my employer has granted me 7 weeks off to go :'(

2nd June 2016

Into my inbox dropped another offer - you wouldn't believe it. After all I went through explaining I did not want a role working with the media, the exact same role I'd been offered in December was back! This time I didn't get a chance to accept or decline. I was simply put in touch with the volunteer manager who was keen to know when I was planning on arriving! After a polite response, explaining I was not coming to Rio for this role I was evicted from the volunteer portal. Ops!

Rugby World Cup 2015 Volunteer: The Pack Training

Work Force Kick Off

Date: Saturday 16th May, 2015

Location: Stadium MK

Last Saturday was the first of many training sessions for what Rugby World Cup 2015 are calling.... THE PACK!  Off we all went to Stadium MK, via many many roundabouts. 6,000 volunteers have been recruited for the games; I'm very lucky to be one of those! After the application process, it was exciting to be starting the journey to RWC 2015 arriving in England & Cardiff! On entry to the ground everyone received a #thepack 16th May Kick Off t-shirt, and a goodie bag! I was pretty excited by the pen at first being a bit of a stationary geek! It wasn't until after lunch I really had a look to see what else was hidden in there. I love the retro touch of issuing a special The Pack Sticker Book! Rumour has it, at each training session we will receive another pack to complete the book, with no swapping required. Woop!

Whilst finding my seat in the stadium it was nice to see some of the guys I'd worked with as a Try Out Vip issuing the goodie bags and helping people find their seats. Once seated, the morning kicked off with Laurence Dallaglio introducing us to Stadium MK and giving us a flavour of what was to come. First off we were to be snapped by the in stadium drone cam, this is where the bottle of Coca-Cola came in, as we were asked to hold these in the air - maybe we'll feature on the Coca-Cola adverts come games time, who knows!

After posing for photos, next it was over to England Rugby's Official Singer, Laura Wright, who took us through a physical and vocal warm up. After a few moves and a bit of 'lalala' we found ourselves learning the words to Jerusalem....which was amazing to sing along to as a group later in the afternoon *goose-pimple moment*.

Next up John Inverdale came on stage as Master of Ceremonies and lead out an inspirational speech about what the day was all about. John then introduced Jason Leonard which brought about a good standing ovation from the crowd for the World Cup Winner. There was a really excitement and appreciation across the crowd. This excitement was further amplified when Shane Williams, Maggie Alphionsi and Serge Betsen took to the stage alongside Will Greenwood. Here they answered some of the questions which The Pack has posted earlier in the morning. Sadly Price Harry couldn't be with us on Saturday as he's currently touring New Zealand but it was great to see him on the screen with his video recorded message!

During the break in proceedings it was time to go and collect our 'The Pack Lunch' and explore the exhibition space.

There was a chance to 'Kick to Win' tickets to the Opening Ceremony alongside Land Rover stalls showing what the transport team drivers will be zooming around in.

 

Whilst wandering around the exhibition space it was nice to bump into some old familiar faces, whilst also meeting lots of new volunteers! There was also the odd celebrity (man-type rugby players) hanging around for photos.

After chatting with friends (and new friends!) I made my way to the St. James Park area of the exhibition where I found a familiar face from the RWC Staff who ran the VIP training session back in Leeds. The stalls were a really good idea, they gave people from the venue a chance to mingle and ask any questions they had regarding the specifics of what they'd be doing and where. I was curious to know exactly how many people made up the 'Sports Presentation: Field of Play' team given the 3 empty seats beside me in the stadium - rumour has it, there's only 4 of us and it's a VERY exciting role - this just added to my whole excitement about the day. At the stall I chatted to a couple of first time volunteers who were travelling to volunteer in Newcastle from Cumbria and Germany! It was amazing to hear the dedication of the guy from Germany travelling across just for the Kick Off event!

The afternoon session began with more signing and the introduction to 'The Paka'...

"It's 2015 and it's rugby time

There's 13 venues to have a good time

This World Cup's going to be the best

From the grounds in the north, south, east and west.

You won't forget us we're called the pack

Because of us you'll wanna come back

The rugby world will all be here

We're the pack we'll make you cheer.

Rugby 

World Cup

2015

The Pack"

Remember the *step*clap*step*clap*

The conclusion of the afternoon was the big uniform reveal! From what we could tell (and rumours!) it consists of trainers, sock, trousers, rugby top, polo top, 'proper' jacket, the yellow cap and a back-pack. I can't say I fell in love with it instantly like I did my Purple London 2012 coat, or the distinctive Glasgow 2014 jacket, but lets wait and see! Time will tell when I get my hands on it at the 'Home Turf' training sessions. Apparently it's made by Musto, so I've no doubt it will be able to keep us warm and dry up north. Chances are I won't actually wear the majority of it, as from what I gather, most of my role will be carried out indoors!

Next on my Rugby World Cup adventure is training for my role as a Training Operations Programme (TOP) following on from my time on the Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP). That's just before my trip to Baku 2015! It's going to be one awesome summer!

Inaugural Tour de Yorkshire: Tour Maker!

Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015
Role: Deputy-Supervisor Sector F2 aka. York Finish line!

After volunteering last year at Le Grand Départ I couldn't resist applying to be a Tour Maker once again!

At 4am my phone alarm buzzed. It was time to get up! A nice early morning drive from Sheffield to York to kick start my day. We arrive at York Racecourse at 6:25am, perfect timing for Supervisor Check-In at 6:30am! After half an hour to catch my breath it was Supervisor Briefing time!

After Supervisor briefing, it was time to try and gather up the rest of Team F2 and break the ice between the team! It was amazing how much the excitement grew and grew throughout the morning, as we waited for the overall briefing and departure off onto the route!

We were lucky to be within walking distance of our location so more chatter and getting to know one another happened on the short walk up to the finish line. On route we sussed out where our nearest Porter-Loo's (oh the joy!) and crossing points were. On arrival at the furthest point on the route - aka. the finish line! - we stopped to take some photos to get those out of the way before we began our Tour Maker Roles!

Here's the wonderful Team F2 at the beginning of the day!

The day passed without any issues, and it was good to see such as amazing turn out for the Women's Race too! I was so lucky to be in the location I was, we got to see 4 passes of the Women's Race followed by 3 passes of the mens - last one being the finish of the mens race!

Throughout the day it was really inspiring to see so many spectators on their bikes! I've been contemplating giving road cycling a go since I volunteered on the Le Grand Départ, but this weekend really did cement it in my mind - I'm doing to give it a serious go!

The end of the day finished with the team forming a bit of a fence to prevent cyclists heading into the finishing area. This wasn't because we were spoil sports, this was for the health and safety of the cyclists and the work force taking down the finishing line to move onto Stage 3! 

Just as we were about to retire back to the racecourse, we were delighted to see Gary Verity and Christian Prudhomme walking their way back down the route. The perfect end to the day was a cheeky team photo with the pair of them and a chat about the day. Let's not mention the fact I wasn't exactly sure who one of these guys was when speaking to him, but I know now OK :-P

What an awesome day.... even if it took me a drive back to the North East, Mam's cooking and a hot bath to finally defrost!

Well done Yorkshire. Well Done Tour Makers..... Bring on Tour de Yorkshire 2016!!!

Baku 2015: European Games - Field of Play: Diving!

Friday 24th April 2015

Back in October 2014 I submitted an application to volunteer at the First European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan! I'd heard nothing since my application - my invite to interview went astray into my spam folder - so I was surprised to see this email land in my inbox this week, alongside my RWC2015 news:

"Dear Aquatics Volunteers,  

Thank you for applying to volunteer in the sport of Aquatics at the Baku 2015 European Games. Aquatics is made up of four disciplines; Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Swimming and Water Polo the dates for each sport are listed below:

Synchronised Swimming:                             9^th – 16^th June

Water Polo:                                        9^th  – 21^st June

Diving:                                                  15^th – 21^st June

Swimming:                                          19^th – 27^th June

We are delighted to offer you a volunteer position for the European Games."

After a few emails back and forth today and a quick Skype chat, I received confirmation that I've been accepted to volunteer at Baku 2015! 

Best part is that for once a major event won't cost me a fortune as Baku 2015 are covering my expenses!! :-)

I've submitted my availability between the 13th - 22nd June so that I can volunteer at the diving competition as a Field of Play Assistant. I've been allocated the same role that I'll be doing for the Rugby World Cup 2015 - different sport, obviously. This isn't the first time I've volunteered with diving, after my experience with USA Diving back in 2012 it will be good to be back beside the pool!

Watch this space and I'll keep you up dated on my adventure.... Not long to go!

Thursday 28th May 2015
Today is the day. My pre-arrival visa arrived in Sheffield! It's sat on my desk here, right now, alongside the useful information on Baku and my Baku wrist band! Last week I received my plane tickets alongside my shift plan. After the disappointment of Sochi 2014, I can finally get excited! All I await now is details of my accommodation. 

Friday 5th June 2015

I've now my accommodation through - a nice 4* hotel with 4* TripAdvisor Reviews. I'll be in a shared room (mystery as to who my buddy is!) with air-conditioning. It's bed and breakfast with a sauna and gym also available - only slight improvement on my Glasgow 2014 tent :-) It's all getting pretty exciting - all that's left to do now is await my departure date and pack my bag!

Oh yeah - check out the weather comparison! 

Also, I've volunteered to be Team Leader for a few shifts! Can't wait to try my volunteer coordinating skills out in another country! Fingers crossed the radio calls are in English ;-)

**Note: As with previous games, I will NOT be blogging a day by day account whilst at the games!!**

The Camping Clyde-sider - Video Blogs!

Back in January I did something very brave. I booked a camp site. Not just for one night....but for the entire duration of my time at Glasgow 2014. 23rd July to 4th August - minimum. A whole 12 nights under canvas!

Testing out the tent in my parents back garden..... It went up, with a bit of persuasion!

Car loaded up. Destination: Glasgow!

After the first morning.....

On route to shift number 1...

Post-Radio interview, more tents and a new addition to the tent....

The day it rained....

The morning after the rain..... Cooking with Creme Eggs

The one and only time I cooked...

Bringing back the blue sky and sea of tents... confusing uni with Glasgow 2014 = tent fever!

Final blog... 2 weeks in a tent = this!

Before booking my camping I spent quite a lot of time worrying about communal showers. This was the only thing that put me off camping. However, I decided I should just 'man up' and get on with it!

Communal showers went from my worst enemy to being one of things I liked most about camping.

Apart from the times they 'broke', remembering back to the time I got up at 11pm after a late shift to find a sign saying they were out of order until 2pm'ish, 2pm being the time I needed to be on shift! I really enjoyed the social aspect of communal showers. It's not every day you spend the first 30mins of your morning catching up with people and sharing your excitements for the day ahead! It felt weird for the first few days being back and showering alone.... Communal showers win! I even took a cheeky selfie to mark the victory!

Rugby World Cup 2015: Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP)

Newcastle

Back in March/April 2014 I submitted an application to join the Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC2015) Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP) and was delighted to be accepted as a volunteer! I have previous experience with London 2012 where I was a Selection Event Volunteer (SEV) doing the same role, interviewing Games Maker Candidates, so was very excited to get involved!

Sadly I couldn't make the training evening in Newcastle so off I went to Leeds Beckett University with a few friend faces from the Sheffield Volunteering Gang. Training was really good, and got us all up to speed with the role we'd be carrying out. 

30 minutes per interview, 20 minutes with candidates and 10 minutes to mark and summarise - back to back interviews - it was going to be a tighter turn around compared to London 2012. However, leaving training I felt confident to get going just a few days later when I went back home to Gateshead ready for my first shift!

The Newcastle Try Out's were held at Newcastle Race Course and it was great to see the RWC2015 Land Rover parked outside, with a cheeky sign directing us hopefully volunteers in the right direction!

My first shift was Friday 3rd October, which also coincided with media day... featuring Jonny Wilkinson and the Webb Ellis Cup! 

My day started with a quick tour of the Try Out Experience then it was time to get kitted out with my VIP polo and get armed with my pen! Next up Jonny arrived with the first wave of volunteers into the Try Out exhibition area! There was a real buzz around the venue making it an even more exciting first shift.

Shifts were a mix of carrying out interviews and mingling in the exhibition area with the applicants. The exhibition area was great fun, there was the opportunity to get into a scrum, test your passing and leave a message of what rugby means to you. After the exhibition area was a 'setting the scene' video, giving everyone goose bumps about RWC2015 coming to England and Cardiff. It was a great build up to the interview!

The big story to hit the press from the Newcastle Try Out's was the fact the Jonny 'dropped' the Webb Ellis Cup. In fairness I think he really only dropped the lid, but check out my facial expressions before and after the drop! haha.

My second and final shift in Newcastle was the next day, which also happened to be my 26th Birthday! I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday! As it was also the final day of Try Outs in Newcastle so the Try Out team set up a little thank  you come birthday party.... with cake! Check out the party hat and poppers whilst I collected my certificate.

Here's the ball shot of just some of the lovely volunteers I met in Newcastle! It was great to be back up north doing what I love so much.... next up.... LEEDS!

Leeds

Since I just can't get enough of volunteering I offered to do a shift at Leeds Beckett University, the next stop for the Try Out Team! Arriving in Leeds you couldn't miss the venue thanks to the branded Land Rover parked out the front. It turns out the 16th October was media day in Leeds, so yet again there was an amazing buzz around the venue as Jason Robinson OBE was visiting! Although  I only caught a quick glimpse of Jason as I was interviewing during the majority of the time he was there, so sadly no photos to show like Jonny above!

During the day I had the chance to have a read through some of the "What rugby means to me" cards. I couldn't help but smile at some of the responses! There was even a song written on one of the cards! Again, the Webb Ellis Cup made a visit to the venue and this time I got the chance to take a non-blurry photo...Hurray! 

For anyone who attended Leeds Try Out's I have a to take a moment to brag. After a little bit of coaching from a fellow northerner, I finally managed to get a door shot into the Try Out goal! Having never played rugby beyond the old primary school PE lesson I thought this was an excellent achievement!

Sheffield

The final leg of my interviewing was a special trip to Sheffield Hallam University. This was to interview some of their students for the Media Roles as part of their degree programmes. As this was a bit of a different stop off for the Try Out Team, there was no exhibition area or video session prior to the candidates interviews. It was a brilliant day with some of the VIP's I'd met in Leeds and Newcastle.

Volunteering with the Try Out Team was such as brilliant experience! From the very beginning as volunteers we fully felt part of the bigger picture, with a good bit of banter and humour between the gang. It was brilliant to volunteer alongside some old faces and meet many new people. I'd love to be able to share of the experiences I heard whilst interviewing (sadly I can't!) but what I can say is there were many many inspiring people wanting to do their part of make RWC2015 the best event ever! Being part of the VIP was a brilliant warm up to the RWC, even if I am unsuccessful in my application to join The Pack, it was awesome to have played my part in the recruitment.

Just when I thought all the excitement of the VIP experience had died down, this little surprise arrived on my door mat! Such as nice touch form the team - my very own RWC2015 VIP Pin Badge!

My journey to join The Pack

My Interview

I had my interview in one of the breaks up at Newcastle. I was interviewed for a role in the Transport Team, however I said I'd be happy to be part of whatever team the guys thought I'd be most helpful and suited to. I'd like to think my interview went really well. As VIP's we were only asked the final couple of questions on 'Team Leader' preferences and 'Role Suitability' as the other questions had formed part of our application to be a VIP. 

My Offer

January 2015 - the month RWC2015 Roles would start to be allocated and the wait would begin! Looking on Facebook I could see people celebrating receiving their offers as we moved to the end of January. Luckily the wait wasn't too long, and on Friday 30th January this email dropped in my inbox...

Hurray!!!!! Hurray!!! I'd been offered a role!! But... what was even more exciting was that I was no longer part of the transport team.... I was going to be part of the Field of Play Team up in Newcastle!! My next thought was 'is field of play what I think it is?'. When I volunteered at Glasgow 2014 as a member of the Athlete Services team we worked alongside the Field of Play team who looked after the court side and ball patrol girls. Was this the role I had for RWC2015? I couldn't believe it, but then this arrived in my inbox...

"Sports Presentation Field of Play Assistants will work in a floor management capacity, supporting the operational production team in the match venue tunnel and around the perimeter of the pitch.

You will work closely with the Floor Manager to oversee the movement of all Sports Presentation talent, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time. This includes entertainment, choirs, military bands, presenters and pundits.

You will also play an integral role in the delivery of a team’s entrance and protocol, ensuring  flag bearers, mascots and ball carriers are in the correct order inside the match venue tunnel on time prior to being called onto the field of play.

You will have privileged back-of-house access and will play a key role in the successful delivery of the Sports Presentation Programme across the Tournament."

My excitement went through the roof! I couldn't believe I'd been offered such a privileged role. It's fair to say, I'm counting down the day to training and the first game up at St. James' Park...the day before my 27th Birthday, exactly a year after my interview!

Joining the Training Operations Programme

Monday 20th April 2015
Following my experience on the Volunteer Interview Programme, I applied for a volunteer role on the Training Operations Programme. These are the volunteers who support the staff members when it comes to the 'Talking Tactic's' role specific training carried out across the country for members of The Pack. Early this week I found out my application had been successful - so watch out Pack Members in Newcastle.... I'm coming to help train you! :-)