Katie worked with the Chilean national team during the games.
I was one of many Games Makers for the London 2012 Olympic Games. My role was that of a National Olympic Committee (NOC) assistant for Team Chile.
Holding the Olympic flame
It was different from some of the other volunteer roles as we weren’t given set hours or schedules. Our team of four volunteers scheduled ourselves according to the team’s needs, making sure at least one of us was there all day, every day for the 6 weeks of the Olympic Games. For this role I was based in the Olympic Village with the team and had access to all areas of the Village, Olympic Park and Venues.
The Olympic Village.
Essentially, I was there to help the Chef de Mission with logistics on the ground, in whatever capacity. Tasks ranged from buying clothes for events for athletes who forgot to pack some essentials, filing gymnastics music with the right department and getting it to the venue, to collecting people from the airport. I was there at the Opening and Closing ceremonies, making sure my team was in the right order, with all their kit, when they needed to be there.
Breaking News.
I remember it being quite the process – starting with the application over a year before the event, including an hour-long interview and then several training/orientation sessions, including a session on driving the BMWs! in London.
Meeting new friends.
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It was a lot of work, but it was incredible to be involved in something I’ve enjoyed watching since I was a child. I really enjoyed learning more about the Olympic Games and getting to see how much work goes on behind the scenes of what you see on TV.
A chance to catch some of the action.
One of the things I remember most was the amazing atmosphere in London. I’d go up on the train and people would just start chatting with you about how they were getting involved or what events they were going to see. There was so much going on all over the country – special concerts, plays in 37 languages, crocheted lions! It was a really special time.
Visiting the Olympic Committee.
Katie
