LONDON 2012-A GREAT EXPERIENCE

After enjoying my time as a Selection Event Volunteer in Glasgow in May 2011, I was delighted to be offered a role as team leader at the Paralympic archery and shooting at the Royal Artillary Barracks.

Over the next twelve months I attended several training sessions in London, all of which had their own challenges,not least finding the venue! I had never been to London on my own before my Selection Event Volunteer interview and was nervous, but each time I travelled I felt my confidence increasing. I made the most of each visit and was determined to try new experiences, which ranged from attending the Princas Trust Rock concert at the Royal Albert Hall on my own and visiting Art galleries, museums and theatres.

The most challenging journey was in February 2012. While on my way to the airport to attend a training at Wembley I was involved in an accident. Fortunately I was not hurt but my car was written off. I missed my flight but after several hours at home I realised I didn't want to miss the training and booked a later flight. On landing in London it was snowing and en route to my hotel in Wembly the Underground went off due to the weather. I was stranded in an area of London I did not know at eleven pm, with no way of getting to my destination-no buses,no taxis. Luckily I was speaking to a Russian girl in the same predicament and we decided, after waiting at a bus stop for an hour that we would have to walk. Six miles of snowstorms later I arrived at my hotel. (two am) Next morning I was amazed to see several thousand people at Wembley who had no idea of my previous night's trauma!!

My time in London during the Paralympic games was amazing. I worked with a great team at the Barracks and was inspired by both volunteers and athletes on a daily basis. The other services of army,ploice and security pulled together with us to deliver a great event. There was an area where you could "have a go" at archery and it has whetted my appetite to take archery up in my local area!!!

I had tickets to Excel on my day off and was privileged to see the sitting volley ball and table tennis. I also was lucky to have tickets for the closing ceremony which was an amazing end to an amazing experience.

I have definately got the bug and can't wait for Glasgow 2014.