By Sepi Roshan
“Congratulations!” the letter read. “Your application for Games Maker has been approved. You will be part of the Spectator Entry Team.” You beauty! I think they loved me in my interview because of my Aussie wit and humour.
The journey from application to Games Maker for London 2012 has been a bumpy ride. At one stage, I thought that my chances of Games making were gone. Family health issues compelled my husband and I back to Melbourne. What was I going to do from Melbourne? So far away from London and with an expiring visa?
The allure of London was too much. As the health issues resolved, we decided that our hearts lay in London and decided to make the move back. London 2012 was on again. We were going home.
Surprisingly, the Games Maker portal was very efficient in accepting my new visa details and UK address. And when the notification of interview came, I was thrilled. Off I went to Canary Wharf. I was consulting that day, so suited and booted, I walked into the reception area. I know people say that London is not known for its customer service, but chuck a couple of people who want to be there, behind a desk and they will knock your socks off. We entered a smiling and niceness competition. Who could out-smile the other? Who could wish who the better day? I knew I was experiencing the true London 2012 spirit. It wasn’t even sunny, so it must have been genuine.
True to London style, there were a variety of people there. Government workers, sports fans, mums, creatives, freelancers, other expats: the melting pot that makes London so different and interesting.
We were eventually escorted up to the what seemed the clouds. A strategic move as we were shown the Olympic Stadium site. They had us at: “Look over there – you can see the stadium being built.” I was hooked. And the abundance of Cadbury only made it better. I was interviewed by a lovely German woman who was also a volunteer. Interviews are fun (yes, you read right) and we had a ball. She was living in London and was having a blast. She was almost as excited as me about London 2012.
Three training sessions, one uniform collection later and it was time. As I sat watching the Olympic barge carrying the torch under the Hammersmith Bridge on the day of the Opening Ceremony, the goosebumps started. This is really happening. I am going to play a vital part in London 2012. An Aussie, is going to help international spectators experience London’s Olympic Games.
As part of the Spectator Entry Team, I am part of a team of 70,000 Games Makers. I get to welcome and implement the security functions ahead of the search and screening process. Preparing spectators before they go through the screening area and providing them with information, advice and guidance on security processes. I get to use my Aussie wit and humour and my Londoner’s pride at how resilient and varied my home is. How we accept people of all backgrounds and communities, who proudly want to show the world what an inspiring place London is: for its beauty and opportunities.
So if you are around Hyde Park during London 2012, come over and say hi.
[ Source: Australian Times ]