4th August 2012 - My last shift as a Games Maker!

Wow! That went fast! I never imagined that my time at the Olympics would come to an end so quickly - but as the saying goes, 'Time flies when you're having fun'! A week and a half of amazing memories, great friends made and superb sporting achievements - it was almost time to head home! I went back to the UDAC on the 5th August to collect my Paralympic uniform -YES, I got a place at the Paralympics too, and then I flew home to little ole' Lurgan that night. 

London 2012 Olympic Games - Wembley Arena

3rd August 2012

The day of 3rd August 2012 was my penultimate shift as a Games Maker - and it was only three days before I packed my bags and headed for home. The thought of going back to Northern Ireland after the most amazing experience of my life, was just unthinkable.

However, I tried to enjoy my shift as much as I could. I was also keeping tabs on my pin collection - and I only had one more to get! 

After my shift, I headed back to Watford, but stopped to get a photo with one of the members of the British Army, who were simply superb at London 2012! They were a credit to their country, and as a proud Irish citizen, I have no reservations about saying how much of an amazing job these people do, serving their country!

2nd August 2012

The day of the 2nd August was very eventful, especially after eight badminton players were disqualified from the competition the day before, after deliberately trying to lose their games so that they were able to get an easier knockout game. Nonetheless, the competition went on - and we had another day of exceptional badminton!

At the end of my shift, I left through the side exit - and a group of Canadians spotted my Irish flag, half-tucked into my Games Maker bag, and approached me, asking for photos. I happily posed for pictures with them, and one of the men in the group gave me a pack of Canadian Badminton playing cards - which I will always cherish as one of my favourite moments of London 2012! 

Meeting some awesome Canadians!

1st August 2012 - My first day off!

On the 1st August, I had my first day off! Woohoo! I also had a ticket to go to the Olympic Park. So I got dressed, hopped on the tube, and headed for Stratford.

Once I got there, it was security check, after security check - so it took a while getting into the Olympic Park. Once I was in, I had to take a step back and just stare in amazement at the beauty of this place. World class sporting venues, thousands upon thousands of people, including a sea of purple and red - the Olympic Park Games Makers. 

Entrance to the Olympic Park

As I walked in, the Aquatics Centre was to my left, the Olympic Park in front of me, and numerous other venues throughout the park. It was an absolutely amazing sight - one I will never forget! 

I had to take as many pictures as possible, and I got my Irish flag out at every opportunity! 

Representing Ireland at the Olympic Park

As the day went on, darkness began to fall, and I had a ticket to the Orbit - and at the very top, I was able to see some incredible views of London. After this, I headed back to Watford, and got a good night's sleep before another shift! 

The view of London from the Orbit

31st July - Day four of being a Games Maker

Day Four - I was extremely tired after three hard days of working at Wembley Arena! However, the competition was heating up, and there was so much excitement in the crowd as the days went on.

I was on a late shift on this day - and had to leave early to be able to make my last train home. So, my team leader let me go home, and as I was leaving - another Games Maker asked me to wheel a lady in a wheelchair to the nearest bus stop - which was quite a distance away - and also in the opposite direction of the tube station. If I missed the tube, I would have to pay for a taxi back to Watford - which would have cost a fortune. However; I decided to bring the lady to the bus stop, and finish my duties for the night. 

As I wheeled her towards the bus stop - we began speaking, and she told me she was from Belgium. We spoke about London 2012, and how the Games Makers were an integral part of the whole Games.

When we reached the bus stop, I seen two athletes, both from Belgium, they introduced themselves as the son and daughter of the lady in the wheelchair. Yuhan Tan, and Lianne Tan both thanked me for bringing their mother to the bus stop, and asked ME for a picture! Absolutely awesome! Oh..AND I made my train!! :)

With Yuhan & Lianne Tan

30th July 2012 - Day three of being a Games Maker

Day three of being a Games Maker - absolutely amazing! I made sure though, that I did not sleep in like I did the day before!

The main moment of day three, was watching another Irish competitor in his first badminton game of London 2012 - Scott Evans! Luckily, I was able to meet Scott during my shift and get a photo with him.

In addition to this, I was able to watch the World Number One Men's Badminton player on court 1! Brilliant day :)

With Scott Evans, Irish Badminton Player

29th July - Meeting Gary Cotterill!

Day Two of being a Games Maker was absolutely AWESOME! The day began with a bad morning - I had slept in for my second shift! Uh-oh! I was so exhausted from the night before that I managed to sleep through my alarm! Not to worry though - I stuffed a quick cereal bar into me and left Watford to travel to Wembley!

Running about 20 minutes late, I hopped off the tube and began to walk down Wembley Way. There were thousands of other fans around - due to the fact that the Team GB Football team were playing United Arab Emirates.

So as I was briskly walking towards Wembley, I caught a glimpse of a Sky Sports umbrella. Knowing I was already 20 minutes late, I couldn't stop to see who it was because I would risk being even later for my shift - but me being me, I had to see who it was!

As I approached the Sky Sports cameras, I seen a crowd of Union flags, and in the very centre of the horde of people, was Sky Sports News correspondent, Gary Cotterill!

Of course, I had to stay and talk to him - and was even featured on Sky Sports News that afternoon! Luckily, I phoned my mum and dad to record Sky Sports News on Sky Plus!

P.s. I ended up being almost an hour late to my shift! Please don't tell Seb Coe though! :)

With Gary Cotterill of Sky Sports

So as I finally arrived for my shift, I was able to join up with my team leader, and start my day's work. Another exciting part of the day was seeing an Irish competitor win her first badminton game! Chloe Magee - from Donegal, Ireland, was one of two Irish badminton players in the London 2012 Olympics, the other being Scott Evans.

At the end of the night, I finished my shift, and left Wembley Arena to be met by tens of thousands of football fans on Wembley Way! Team GB had defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-1.

Tens of thousands of people on Wembley Way!