The Volunteer Effect - a conclusion

As with anything you find the more you do of something, the more you find you can do.
Volunteering is very much like that.
These days many organisations and sports clubs are strapped for cash, especially when just starting out, and even when they have been going a while, they may find getting their organisation's name out there to become known and attract members is tricky. No money means they cannot pay for advertising, or support for web-site building. These days Social Media is great, but even so, many clubs need more support than they are able to offer on their own, however well meaning their intentions.
Take my running club as an example, we have a committee that makes the overall decisions for how the club works, every one of the committee members volunteers their time to help do various tasks to ensure the club can keep going. Not one person who helps gets paid. Sometimes it is hard work, but because we all appreciate the value of the club being there we all pitch in as much as we can. The club has recently celebrated 30 years of existence.
So it is with many small clubs and from London 2012, I became involved in what was called the "Legacy Volunteer" programme, run under the name of "Join In", with the aim of linking people who were offering to volunteer their time and skills to help, at local sports clubs and events, that needed support in order to make their club or event a success.
Most sports clubs at grass roots are all powered by their volunteers, any subs paid going towards running costs for the club. The volunteers do it, because the payback they get from seeing people gain from club membership is enormous in terms of pride and satisfaction of a job well done. For many it also gives them a chance to learn new skills which can then carry across into their paid work. Volunteering really does give you a "warm glow" of having done something worthwhile.

As you get to bigger and bigger events, costs increase and sometimes volunteer support is the only way that many can continue to provide a service to their members.
After the great success of London 2012 with the GamesMakers, people realised that volunteers could make a big difference to the service they could provide.

Many Large events saw the success of the GamesMaker programme and wanted to emulate it, so started asking for volunteers to help them out. This for me, gives mixed feelings as while many sports events definitely need volunteer support to create that great buzz, many events that decided to use volunteers do in fact make some quite substantial sums of money from their events, which they could easily plough into hiring staff and paying them to do the job. And while I do have issues with some organisations using free volunteer help when they can afford to pay, I suspect they also get better service and support from the unpaid volunteers who are invested in giving their time to be there, than some paid staff who have to be there (I appreciate that is a sweeping generalisation, but I have met many paid staff at events who can't wait to clock off shifts, against volunteers who will stay on an extra few hours if needed just to make sure the job is done well) Volunteers rock!
Being part of a large event is of course a completely different experience.

Volunteer  roles are not all glamorous, and often the shifts are long and maybe at times boring, but we are there, smiling, greeting people, filing papers, driving people around, working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide a great service and put on the greatest show we can to showcase our event and our country. We do it all with pride and for the occasional pin badge and a thank you from the people we helped.
For many of us volunteering costs a great deal of money. Time off work can be hard to get if needing more than 2 weeks, and I have heard of people quitting jobs to take part in the London Olympics. Accommodation costs often increase, sometimes 4 fold, as hotels and B&Bs plus others renting rooms realise that demand far outstrips supply. As a volunteer having to pay for yourself this is not great. I was very lucky that I found a room for London with a friend of a friend who lived near to Stratford.
The same applied heading to Rio for 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. Still a common misconception that we get travel or accommodation costs, when every volunteer there had to fund themselves, and was more than happy to do so, in order to be part of one of the greatest shows on Earth.
For many there was much soul searching before going, the build up and volunteer organisation was not the best when trying to decide when to book flights etc. But those of us that eventually got there had the best time ever. No the roles are not all glamorous (I spent one shift sat by the reporter desks at the swimming pool for 6 hours - Yawn) but they may be essential (Sitting by the desks meant I was a presence to keep non reporters from coming through to that area)
Yes I saw some of the Games, yes I was invited to a dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony, yes I was able to sneak in and watch things I didn't have tickets for, but most of all I gained experience, I gained friends, I gained skills in new areas. I learned more about the Press Ops side of things, I always learn about the behind the scenes things. my confidence in dealing with things grows and I return a better person, ready for the next challenge.

Over the years I have added so many volunteer things into my list. I now have been given a Team Leader role at the Great South, having volunteered there for a few years and having made the right contacts and used my skills in the right areas, I am now also Team Leading at local races being held in Southampton and Winchester, due to having offered my support and experience (and of course doing a good job for them) I coach my beginner runners regularly, and get involved in all sorts of different things. I mostly choose things I find interest me, that are mostly local and that I know will benefit from support.
Not all volunteering roles have glamour, not many give you the opportunity to be in the limelight, but I can assure you that every role I have done, gives me great satisfaction when you have people thanking you for a job well done, and saying how much they have enjoyed the event. Payback for me comes in that satisfaction of a job well done and well appreciated.

Will I be applying for other big events abroad? well yes I guess I might. Many friends are talking winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018, but then the Commonwealth Games are also in 2018 in Australia on the Gold Coast, and then Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be fun, plus the London IAAF athletics next year, along with the Special Olympics in Sheffield and on it goes.
Who knows what's next around the corner, but whatever, I'd better start saving. This volunteering lark is not always cheap, but it certainly is always worthwhile.

And if you'd like to get out there and support your local sports club to be the best they can and help future athletes or sports people on their road to success, check out the JoinIn site for tips, or just go through the telephone directory, find a sports club you might have fun helping with, or who might be interested n the skills you have to offer, contact them and ask if they would like some help. Sometimes they don't know what help they need, so it may take a while to convince them, but in the end a little support can help people get a long way.
After all, wouldn't you like to be able to say you had a hand in supporting another athlete to gain a medal at an Olympics or Paralympics?
Volunteering is for everyone and anyone, no task too small, no games too great. (Or should that be no games too small no task too great?)
Go and find out what you can do to help, get stuck in and feel proud that you are supporting others to achieve great things.
There is no greater payback than people at an event saying how great the experience was for them.

Right I'm off now.
Thanks for keeping up with my ramblings.
Volunteering rocks!
#BeInspired go and #JoinInUK

The travel bug

Well the head was full of cotton wool the morning after the Closing Ceremony. Caipirinha induced? Possibly, or maybe it is that, nearing the end of time away, air-conditioning bugs are starting to take hold. I'll claim the latter of course.
I had intended to go on a Tom mascot hunt this morning, but decided that resting might actually be a nicer option, so got to grips with the last blog update, and then got myself sorted to head to shift early. The threat of Pizza for our last day due to the workforce canteen being closed, meant that would be the only food option available on shift.
Managed to get a wander up towards the top of the building, but only as far as floor 11, once out of the lift the views were great, but the building was unfinished and still full of concrete dust. The only parts fully finished were those being used, and even then it was only finished to the bare minimum needed.
The final shift as expected was not hectic, a few journalists in to collect their final certificates and medals, and even a few who had not been to see us to register for their press kits. We had a few from the Broadcasting side, trying to score some freebies at the last minute, and to be fair, we had loads of kit left over, which being branded, really would not have been much use for other things, so maybe, possibly, we might have been a little more generous with our distribution, and maybe, possibly we received a few bits and pieces in exchange for our nice gesture. Came home with some great pins, and an Italian TV RAI fleece. Great doing business guys.
I did the final shared service rounds and said goodbye and thank you to all the people I had met, it has been fun getting to know them all and communicate with my fledgling Portuguese.
Then we were done.
The tech guys were in dismantling all the equipment, so not much left to do apart from say goodbyes and head off for the final time.
Passing the park to get back to the apartment was a very different experience with no crowds of people milling around, no loud hailer greetings in Portuguese, no music from within the park, just the occasional clanking of machinery as things were being taken apart.
Some of the legacy will remain as one of the Carioca arenas will become a training school for future athletes, gymnasts etc. The MPC where we were based, likely will be offices with a car park below. Some of the temporary tennis structures will be removed, but will have to keep an eye on the area to see what happens with the other things.
Still not feeling great I arrived back to the apartment, and decided not to go to dinner with Lisa, but to sort out my packing. An early start in the morning beckons. 3 different alarms set, transport booked to get me to the airport, and I went to take in the night view for the final time.

Not sleeping well I eventually made it up and out of the door at 5.25am, to wait for Marcio the driver to collect me. When 5.35 arrived I started to get concerned, and with no wifi was challenged again to find out what happened. Using my precious expensive 3G there was a message from some 50 minutes earlier to say, very sorry he couldn't make it.  Panic started to set in, no Portuguese, no wifi to book an Uber ride, I headed onto the street to try and flag a cab down. Luckily they are around at that time and I managed to get one to stop and he was brilliant in speedily getting me to the airport. Communication via google translate is a life saver. He even told me off for leaving it late to go to the airport. But the bonus was the fare was lower on the meter than I had been quoted for the booking. I later found that my pre-booked car had also arranged to collect someone else at the same time and had also cancelled them but at least the evening before. I think Maggie (who was his other booking) gave him a piece of her mind and reminded him there was no shame in saying you can't do something, in fact that is far more preferable than letting people down. No is sometimes an acceptable answer.

Met up with John and Maggie, also travelling via Casablanca back to Gatwick, checked in and headed towards departures, taking the time to check out each shop to see if any of the elusive Tom mascots remained. Result. Found loads in just one of the stores, but large ones, so decided to buy 3. Sorted.
Took breakfast at the little cafe by the departure gate, and then we were onto the flight, along with many of the Tunisian and Moroccan team, the latter who towards the end of the flight were changing into their formal clothing, were greeted in Morocco, by huge banks of press photographers and outside the airport a large crowd of people with banners and a band, welcoming their athletes home. It would have brought a lump to my throat, if my throat had not already become sore through all the coughing I was doing.
We got on to a bus to take us to our transit hotel, which turned out to be some 40 minutes away in the centre of Casablanca, and with no money on us other than English or Brazilian, we had to head to bed with no drink or supper. Thankfully eventually working out what the proper time was, we arranged to meet for breakfast at 7am.
The morning ride back to the airport seemed to take forever, but we did see a little of Casablanca, then arrived at the airport to queues getting in to the terminal. In fact queues everywhere for everything, and quite why having been through passport control they need to again check your passport after 10 metres I haven't worked out. Getting tired and frustrated, we eventually got to our departure gate, just as boarding had started, and with a short sub 3 hour flight home, we were soon at Gatwick, collecting luggage and out through customs to head home.
So 2 1/2 weeks of an adventure comes to an end.
I am vocally challenged, but oh it is so nice to be back and in my own bed.
Now to plan the next adventure, but first I have the finish for both Winchester half marathon this Sunday, The Start and finish at the Great South towards the end of October, and results for our Totton Running Club Race "The Stinger", to do.
No rest for the wicked eh?
One last Blogpost to come, but It's been great chatting to you all, thanks for your company through my last couple of weeks, will let you know when I am off again.
Tchau Thcau

Redemption and debauchery

Right then, running out of time to do things now, so decided on Sunday morning to head to Corcovado and see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, that looks out over most of Rio, except where we are, as we are the wrong side of the hills to see it.
Walked up to the Olympic Station with Lisa who was heading to her shift, and while she headed one way, I set off to get the direct BRT and Metro Line 4 and Line 2 to Largo do Machado.
It seems it was a day for bumping into people I knew, as the lady from the laundry on the MPC site, called out to me as we were transitioning between lines 4 and 2 with her heading to work, we had a quick chat and I said I would likely see her later. (Turns out that as a result of her giving up her time to work at the laundry, she has been offered a job at one of the main laundries, which will give her some extra money - legacy effects already)
Once out of the station, the ticket booth was close by, so I joined the queue, and while it would have been nice to take the scenic train up, I knew I didn't have enough time, so, minibus it was, and it wasn't long before it set off, must have known I didn't have much time.
Part way up we had to change to another bus which would take us up to the monument, then we had millions of steps to climb to actually get there.
The thing is bloomin ginormous.
Wandered around taking a few photos, but sadly there was a thin haze around, which made everything look slightly foggy, though still quite clear, until I tried to photograph it. A few practice shots and I managed to get the whole statue and me in at one time, pretty good as I tend to use my camera for selfies as they always turn out much better.

Knowing I was pressed for time, I headed round to check out all the views, with crowds starting to increase, it was more difficult to get through, especially as many were prostate on the floor to get good angles for pictures.
Suddenly I spotted Jodie, my Paralympic silver medal winning archery friend, so she very nicely took a selfie of the two of us on her I-phone, which I am hoping she will tag me in on Facebook later.
Heading back, I was lucky that each bus didn't have a long wait, and as a solo traveller I was able to squeeze into the final seat on the bus back to the metro, by-passing the queue.

Back to the apartment to change then off for another quiet shift, most of the journalists and photographers having headed over to the closing ceremony. At 6pm we closed the doors and headed off too.
The evening was to be spent at British House for the ceremony, with free food and drinks. Not always a good idea though. My first Caiparinha was definitely an experience, the second was less bitter and the 3rd may have been one too many.

Had been chatting to Naomi Gibson, another volunteer and was saying about the archery, and it turns out she was working with the team at Sambodromo, so knew Jodie well. More coincidences and meeting people.
Saw loads of the Channel 4presentation team there including Ade Adepitan and R J Mitte, and spent a while chatting to Giles Long, a former Paralympic swimmer and now commentating.
Didn't leave there until after 1am, so think tomorrow's final shift may be interesting.

Almost legless

Nearing the end of this incredible adventure with only a few days left, and things seem to be getting busy.
Saturday Morning I had tickets to go to the swimming heats. I knew that many of our British swimmers would be there qualifying for their respective finals so at least I could see them in action. Saw a couple of Paralympic records broken and felt waves of emotion hearing the roars of the crowd when their own Brazilian athletes were competing, whether qualifying or not. But some of the biggest cheers were for those who were taking part, rather than competing, and had no chance of qualifying at all. The deafening roars as they were cheered to the finish, certainly made it a very emotional experience.

After the session finished I headed to the megastore to try and buy some of the "Tom" paralympic mascots, but all sold out, and crowds of vultures grabbing anything they could when another box appeared. I tried to find some in the little shop on the MPC site, but he too had sold out. I wish I had asked him to put some by for me. Isn't hindsight great?

I had a shift in the afternoon, but I had also secured a ticket for the final Last Leg of the Paralympic series. Really wasn't sure whether to try and go, as we had been told we were likely to be in the Green Room as the studio would be filled with medalists.
I headed down to the check in with Lisa and her hubby Nigel, and picked up an accreditation, just in case, then went to start my shift.
Ana, my manager, said it was ok for me to go, so I headed across for the wait. Met Maggie, who had been out here for the Olympics too, and who I was meant to have been working with once I arrived, but due to role changes that didn't happen.
Was chatting for a long time to a couple of guys who were military and worked in Brazilia, who had come down for the games, and thought the Last Leg would be fun.
We were held for a long time before they called us up, I guess due to trying to arrange so many Paralympians.
They said the first 10 could go through to start with, we thought that meant the others would follow once we had been squeezed in, but sadly due to the space and lateness of taking us to the studio, they had to go on air, so everyone else headed into the green room to watch. Such a shame as Lisa had missed out on 2 previous opportunities.
Was stood over near the cameras where I had been for the first one I went to, and again was in my uniform. I did see a clip on the internet of Liam Malone and the little boy Rio, and just caught sight of myself. Will be catching up with the series when I get back.

Managed to see some of the athletes after and got to hold a gold medal, in fact 3 gold medals belonging to Hannah Cockcroft. Spoke to Jody Cundy the cyclist, and managed to get a picture with Adam Hills and his Red, white and blue hairdo.
Straight after I had to head back to finish my shift, and as I was walking across the common area outside, Liam Malone was heading out of the building, so I asked very nicely if it would be OK to have a selfie with him. He was delighted.

So shift finished early, and again I headed into the park to the megastore, to at least buy something, will have to see if I can find more elsewhere later.
Fingers crossed somewhere will have some mascots left.

How Very British

Well after the previous free day, I needed to catch up on some washing and blogging so that was the morning sorted, then my shift started at 2pm. Around 3pm Claudia said they needed help at the swimming pool, so I was to head there. Alexis took me across and having been in the press entrance the previous night,  I knew where to head.
Alexis showed me to where he had been previously, with a remit not to let anyone other than journalists and press through, I sat tight, for 6 hours. Now I am not really a swim enthusiast, and there were not many Brits swimming, so while it was great to be there and not rushing around, I felt I needed more challenging things to do. (OK so I was bored) . A reminder that not all parts of volunteering are glamourous, but it was a necessary role to play. There was one medal ceremony that had a British bronze outcome, which was nice to see and the atmosphere was loud every time a Brazil swimmer was in the pool. But I was definitely glad to head off shift.

On Friday I was heading to Archery.
2 years ago at the London Invictus Games, I met a young lady called Jodie Grinham, who was volunteering to help. Her wish was to compete in the Paralympics and today was the day she had a solo chance to do that. She had already won a silver medal in the team match earlier in the week.
Lisa, my apartment mate, was due to come with me but being a conscientious volunteer, she knew that the area she was working would be short of support, so she said she would head in to work for half a day, which left me heading off alone or finding a willing companion. I offered it out to some other volunteers and Josh, who had been along to the last leg with me, said he'd keep me company. The only thing being that when he met me at the metro station he was suffering badly with the after-effects of eating dodgy streetfood late at night. He was very quiet, but said there was no way he was going to let a bit of food poisoning put him off doing stuff.
We eventually arrived at Sambodromo, the home of the Samba school, where the archery was being held, it wasn't terribly well signposted, but a Brazilian lady, who spoke little English realised we were all heading the same way, and we worked together to find it.
Jodie's match was at 10.45 and we were in plenty of time, though she waited until her last arrow to win herself through to the quarter finals. Nail biting stuff.
She was then close to getting into the semi finals, but the wind was blowing erratically and sadly she missed out by 2 points, so Tokyo here we come.
I went to say hello and get my pic with a real silver medalist, even if she didn't have the medal with her.

We watched the end of the matches and the medal ceremony before heading back, at which point Josh was starting to feel better, but I think several bottles of cola helped.

Time to head back and get ready for a reception at British House.

As legacy volunteers from London 2012, we had been invited to an IPC reception. So dressed in our bright green legacy volunteer t-shirts Lisa and I set off. We were welcomed in, offered drinks and canapes, treated to some samba dancing, bumped into Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker, and also met up with Olivia, another volunteer who had been involved with JoinIn. We received gifts from one of the Japanese delegation and a Tokyo 2020 pin, always nice to get pins.
Lisa then headed off to meet her hubby who was flying in this evening for a weeks holiday, while Olivia and I wandered around. They did later rejoin us, I think it was the prospect of free beer that did it.
Just as we decided to leave, we were approached by someone asking about the t-shirt and the legacy volunteer thing, so we spent a while explaining, how we had set about linking volunteers who wanted to help with sports clubs who needed their help. He, like many others was surprised to learn that all the volunteers paid for their own flights and accommodation, I think a common misconception of volunteering at big events is that things are paid for.
The event came to an end around 10pm so we headed back to the apartment, mulling over a very British evening.

Freebies and TV stardom

Wednesday 14th was another free day, I had a ticket for the wheelchair rugby and an entry ticket to my 2nd live Last Leg show.

Lisa, who I am sharing the apartment with, decided that she would try and swap her evening ticket, to come to the morning session as GB would be a far better game to watch. When the box office wouldnt swap, she just bought a morning ticket anyway and headed into the park to wait. I arranged to meet her at the Carioca 1 arena at 10am, completely forgetting that this was the furthest away of the 3 Cariocas and then I ended up at the wrong entrance watching Lisa heading up the entrance steps.

Eventually caught up with her and we decided to chance a seat switch to join some other GB supporters. Walking straight past the volunteers on the entry we chose seats and sat down.

The match was not as exciting as I had hoped, I think wheelchair rugby may not be for me, and not helped by being beaten by Australia, by just 2 points.

Afterwards we headed off to get some lunch, and she then went off to start her shift, I headed to the MPC to meet up with 3 others I had arranged last leg tickets for.

Joshua was there first, then Keri and finally Tom caught us up. Ana and Claudia, 2 of my team managers were also going, plus a few other volunteers I knew by name but not in person.

We headed into the studio and started off at the same place we previously had, then they asked for someone to sit in the area right behind the sofa, well no need to ask twice, I dragged Joshua with me and we spent the whole recording facing the cameras nearest to where Josh Widdicombe sat. People at home have mentioned they saw me, looks like the pictorial evidence will have to wait until I get back.

Managed to get a pic with Alex and Josh, before they headed off to see the wheelchair basketball, much more my sport, and with Australia playing GB a good match to see.

I followed Ana and Claudia back to the MPC, and then Joshua came and found me to say thanks for organising and we decided we would head into the park for a beer. Then he said about going to see the basketball, so we headed to the Rio Arena, via the press entrance, seeing as we had no tickets, and had some great seats to watch the whole game, with a brilliant win for GB. 

Tom and another volunteer Rebecca were also there and after we all headed out to find some food, meeting Josh Widdecombe and some of the last leg crew for some chat and pin swapping. Joshua got his selfie.

Having planned to head back and do some washing, I was sidetracked by the possibility of getting into the swimming arena and seeing the 4x100m relay, so again Joshua led us in through the press entrances (now we nay not have tickets, but as we all have the right accreditations to be in the press areas, it wasn't like sneaking in when we weren't allowed) and we just caught the end of the race, where GB finished 4th, but the increasing roar from the Brazilians as their team came in to take the silver medal was deafening.

Tom and Rebecca headed off to catch the BRT back to their accommodation, so yet again using Joshua's press entrance experience, we headed to the future arena to watch some goalball, and of course another beer.

Time then to head out of the park and home for some kip. 

A great Free day.

Little steps

Sorry for lack of updates, so much to do, so little time.
So, where was I? Ah yes, internet issues, well thankfully all sorted now, by a nice Brazilian man who spoke not a word of English, but certainly knew what the problem was.
Another afternoon shift, starting to get less busy, so now trying to keep occupied, by checking out the press site and keeping up to date with the competitions.
Part way through the shift I was handed a ticket that would get me in to the wheelchair rugby on 14th in the morning, so I checked it out and turns out it was to be Australia vs GB.

The next morning, again was fairly chilled out, I wandered to the little supermarket to top up supplies, before lunch and then heading for my shift, where I was visited by a couple of my volunteer friends, heading off to see the Last Leg, so thought they'd call in to say hi.
I started watching archery via the media site, as no TV feed to view, as a friend that I had met at the Invictus Games, (Jodie Grinham) was competing in the compound pairs. It was so exciting watching the numbers appear on the screen and then working out, before the results were posted, that she was going to be in the gold medal match. Sadly they were beaten by 4 points to end up with the silver, but was very exciting. I have tickets to see her compete in the solo rounds on Friday, so fingers crossed she can do as well.
Managed to leave shift early again as not much to be done, and from the next day the MPC opening hours are changing to be from 9am to 6pm. So looks like I may have to head to the swimming pool after to finish my shift off at the press area there.

So on to day 12 of my adventure, yep over half way and on the final straight.

Arranged to meet a couple of other volunteers at Cinelandia metro station to go and see the Selaron Steps, not realising how long it would take me to get there. Set off from the apartment at 8.23am, and headed to the Rio 2 station of the BRT, (Bus Rapid Transport) basically a bus system that is in a separate lane from the regular buses and traffic and can just whizz by all the traffic queues. There is a stopping one, and a direct one from certain points.
BRT to Alvorada, change to another BRT to Jardim Oceanica, then onto Metro line 4 to Gereral Osario, this is the new line put in for the Olympics, and almost empty, reminded me of being on the metro in Shanghai. From here another transfer to metro line 1 and eventually arrived at cinelandia just around 10am. Met with a young Canadian girl Shannon and we headed to find the stairs, going via the arches, a lovely bright white painted set of arches where a tram line runs across. Sadly no trams seen.
Walking through to the stairs, it was amazingly not completely packed out, possibly as it was incredibly hot and I was extremely grateful, I had remembered to bring water with me.
The stairs were incredible, a definite work of love. The artist states it is ever changing, and you can send your own tiles for him to include. Was great fun spotting them from all round the world.
Then time to head back, so I could get to my shift on time.
This time taking a direct BRT from Jardim Oceanico to Centro Olympica, cut quite a lot of time off the journey. We stopped only to buy some pao de queijo (small bread balls filled with cheese) and a tangerine juice, costing less than £1.25.
The journey back was far quicker, having taken the direct BRT, so it was then a quick walk back to the apartment to change and head to shift.

A short shift this afternoon, due to closing the help desk at 6pm, followed by an evening out for the team for a meals and drinks. Claudia very kindly gave me a lift there and back, though the route back was a little longer than it should have been due to a lack of knowledge of the particular area I was staying, but it enabled me to see more of an area I may not have made it to on my own, driving past the golf course and the Riocentro venues.

The wonders of technology

Have you missed me?
For the past 2 days we have had internet issues at the apartment, meaning no access to the internet at all. Nightmare, especially as it seems nothing can be done offline and uploaded later. To add to that my ipad has announced its tummy is full and it needs to have its stomach contents emptied, or something like that. But I suspect it is down to the fact that in trying to get photos sorted on this blog, I had to download another programme and copy all the photos there, so taking up far more room. Still with not much success. But then that might also be internet issues.
Anyway, I know you are not interested in that, so....what has been occurring since the last update?

Well Friday was pretty quiet, spent the morning frustrated with internet issues and then had a shift in the afternoon. The Media Centre Help Desk was pretty quiet, one or two people to collect their press packs, (a press pack consists of us issuing a travel card that will give them 2 journeys on public transport, a rucksack that says "press" on it, so naturally each time I hand one out that's what I do, a set of earphones, random but hey, and a sticker which has an access token to register for the online press information)
 Also had one very tired Polish journalist who was trying to set up the access to the online press information, so we went through it together step by step and successfully got it working. He was very  pleased, but still very tired. A couple of other visits were also from people who had not activated their press login within 24 hours of setting it up, so they needed a new one to try again.
The collection of info from the concessions around the centre had expanded by 2 outlets, the pharmacy is now open, and the sustainability shop too. Another volunteer came around with me today, he speaks Portuguese so again very useful especially in the snack bar where it seems they don't speak English.
The massage place seemed to have had a busier day, I guess as more journalists are out and about longer the niggles start to set in, a bit like my shoulder issues, so said i would return later, which i did after my dinner for another brutal shoulder massage. Think I might see if Marcello wants to come home with me.
As we were so quiet, Alex said I may as well head off early, so after chatting for a while, I eventually got back to the apartment around 9.30, Lisa had already gone to bed. And still no internet. Ooh and nearly forgot to mention we got our first gift today, they gave us in our workforce, 2 pins that actually link together to form one magnetically. Whizzy. Apparently 4 more gifts to come.

Saturday 10th, another free day. Lisa was also off, so we decided to see if we could see any sport in the park this morning, as we were due to head to "the last leg" live tv show this afternoon.
Absolutely no tickets available for anything, though there might be more released later, so we decided to head into the park, via the workforce entrance, using our accreditation. There was another ticket booth inside and we headed that way, but a group of British people in front of us were trying too, to no avail. We had a chat with them and received a basketball pin each. Ooooh nice, collection growing very slowly. Headed to the Paralympic logo and had a few photos taken there and then wandered around past the swimming arena to the RioFest area, loads of large screens and entertainment stages. Had photos taken there with the olympic torch, its bloomin heavy.
We sat round there for a while then braved the snack bars to get a drink. I can understand that the system means the money is far more secure, but the queues for the cashiers were huge and very slow.  We then headed back to watch the big screens again, passing a band on bicycles, all different instruments, with their associated people of course.
Passing back through the park and past the Agitos, we headed out to get some lunch, and discovered that Lisa hadn't been added to the guest list for the last leg, hugely disappointing, but hoping she can go later on in the series.

I hurriedly changed into my uniform to go and meet Hannah and once we had sorted what we were supposed to be doing and where we had to go, we had guest passes and wrist bands and were held in a waiting area until the studio was ready. Then we settled in and were entertained by the warm up guy. Fun bit was exchanging a games maker pin for a last leg one. Result!
The show was brilliant, guests were Stephen Mangan, Jonnie Peacock and Ali Jawed, there were also one of the shooters and a female powerlifter in the audience, sadly didnt manage to get photos with the guys, or any of them, but still I am there again on a Weds 14th, so hope we can see then.
Afterwards, we wandered into the park to try and get into the swimming, but no way they were going to let us in, so we sat watching on the big screens until the mosquitoes and tiredness got the better of us and we headed home.
Still internetless, but hoping someone is coming in the morning to sort it.
Tchau for now

A day at the Park

So first day complete, the second started with the recreation of a form so we can note the support we have given to our service users, all part of the operational legacy that will be passed to the next games team for Tokyo, so they can see what works and what could be improved on.
More Press packs delivered to journalists and photographers, and then headed off to "do the rounds" of info collection from the concessions on my own. Got to the massage place and said I might come back later as my shoulders and neck could always do with being brutalised. The guy in charge tried to see what the issue was and uttered something completely unprintable and said yes do come back it will help.
So after my dinner I headed back for a 15 minute massage that cost R$30 (around £8) painful but needed.
Back to work after, but so little to do really, and finally time to head home. Claudia, one of the managers gave me a lift, which saved the walk.
Much of the same the next day, though a new volunteer joined and came round on the concession  walk. Bloomin useful to have a Portuguese speaker. Extremely quiet day though, as most people were at the Opening Ceremony, so we got the pictures for the live streaming up onto the huge TV in our work area, and we settled in to watch the ceremony, catching up on a few bits we missed from the rehearsal. Of course also sorting any issues as needed and recreating an "eaterie" list for anyone that wants to head away from the park for food.

So my first free day arrived, and initially I had though about going to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf, but the weather had turned, and after rain at the opening ceremony last night, the clouds were still low this morning, so I bailed on the Christ, and instead arranged to meet with another Volunteer Steph, to see if we could get tickets for something in the Olympic Park. A quick check of schedules and we plumped for the morning wheelchair basketball (both GB women and men were competing in their group stages) and a late afternoon cycling session, where we knew there were likely to be medals.
We were not disappointed.
The basketball was a win for our men, but a defeat for the ladies, though they still have other group matches to pull things back.
Then we headed to find some refreshment before our cycling experience.

The park is fairly big, but lacks the atmosphere and numbers of support people of the London Games. No entertainers or wayfarers, just the occasional volunteer, milling around. Food choices limited to burger, pizza and other pasta snacks or a small McDs takeaway (which actually only does desserts apparently). No choice for Brazilian food or any other cultural options.
Took us a while to work out that you cannot buy food or drink at any of the small outlets, without having gone to the cash-desk, or one of the mobile cashiers to pay and get a ticket for what you want, then you present that at the counter in exchange for your food or drink. And hardly any of the sellers spoke English, so it was difficult to explain things with a language barrier, especially when my ticket was taken, but no pizza arrived. Part of the free for all of asking anyone who wanted only pizza to come forward was that everyone came forward pushing and scrummaging to hand over their tickets. Queuing seems not to be very well adhered to here.
We eventually sat in the very green sprayed tarmac area, possible village green representation, but more looking like the conversation went along the lines of "how do we make this pure concrete and tarmac area look a little more appealing, oh I know lets spray it all green".
A quick wander around the Rio 2016 megastore shop with the usual horror at the costs of things, and we then headed to the velodrome.
Hannah, who has been working in the MPC with me, appeared and we all spotted some GB supporters so headed to join them. Turns out the lady sat in front of me was Steven Bate's mum. So a very proud mum moment when he and his guide rider took gold in their race.

We also saw gold medals won by Megan Giglia and the amazing Dame Sarah Storey, who now surpasses Dame Tanni Grey as the most successful female Paralympian. And with Crystal Lane winning a silver we did indeed have a great haul of medals to see presentations for.
After a brilliant evening trackside, we headed off to find some food. A great end to a really lovely day in the park.

First day at School

Attending the rehearsal for the opening ceremony last night was a great way to end our initiation into Rio time, even though I still seem to be operating on UK time at the moment as I am still waking early. Can't say too much about the ceremony itself as it will spoil it for the opening tomorrow night, you will just have to watch. Apart from the lengthy athletes parade which as ever seems continuous, the ceremony performances before and after it were brilliant.

So, then to Monday, first day at school.

Having sorted a few things in the morning, I was due to be at my first shift for 2pm. The walk is not far, about 20 minutes or less, straight along the road where we are staying. Having a liitle prior warning of how to find the access was useful, and I was even able to help a Portuguese speaking journalist to find his way. International signs and gestures are always good, though I do find myself reverting to sign language hand signs to explain myself.
Went through security, checked in at workforce check-in and received an armful of snacks, was directed to the Main Press Centre (MPC) where I am to be based, due to the closure of the conference centre.
I was sent to the press photography desk to find Camilla, my manager, who was not there, but at lunch, so I was taken to the Main Help Desk team and was introduced to Ana who is in charge there. Sounds like I am now to be in her team.
I met another volunteer, Hannah, who is coming to see the last leg with me in a few days time, and ended up shadowing what she was doing, until I was proficient enough to do it myself. So just the once or twice then, it wasnt that difficult. Handing out the press packs was the easy bit, knowing any answers to the questions they may have had, not so easy.
At check in, I was given an " I speak English" tag to add to my accreditation,  I did ask if they also had an "Eu nao fala Portuguese" but sadly they didn't have those so will just have to learn very quickly.

Around 5pm, Ana said we were going to "do the rounds" of the shops in the press building to take note of customer numbers and sales etc. Apparently it is an experiment this year to see if a Press Village is a good idea for future games. This is to be one of my tasks when I am on shift, so that will test my non existent Portuguese.
There is a supermarket, souvenir shop, massage parlour, post office, where I am hoping I can get some stamps with me on them, like I did from London. There's also a dry cleaners and a money exchange place, who gave me a pin. Exciting times.
Heading back in, went back on the checking in desk, looking cool in my tinted reading glasses, as i left my regular readers at home, doh! So getting dark and dark glasses on I was waiting for my autograph requests. Instead i got a pin, from a Greek journalist, after checking him in for his Press Pack. Followed by one from Ana, a special media pin. Collection started. (I have now added a few I brought with me as swaps so will see if I can get more).
Lisa, my flat mate, is working in the Athletes Village, so her pin collection chances are far greater. Hey ho.
We had dinner around 6.30, and I headed off with another volunteer Samantha, who is heading back to the USA on Tuesday evening after 2 months here. We sat and ate in the company of a friend of hers from home who is a freelance photographer, and he was so interesting to talk to with his tales of all the games he had been to.
Then it was time to head back to work, except we had wound down for the day, so there really wasn't much left to do apart from tidy up.
A final task saw me reading through an email to double check all Olympic references had been removed, for a Paralympic Village tour, and ended with me quickly creating a couple of word tables to replace those in the original document that couldn't be edited. I think Ana then realised I might actually be useful. Now to work on her delegating things rather than having to sort them all herself.
Finally left just after 9.30pm for the walk home, still warm so no jacket needed.
Here's to the next shift. I wonder what excitement there will be.
(Note:still having photo issues, so will upload some when i get that sorted)
Tchau

Arrivals

ola! Ben-vindo ao Rio.
Hello, welcome to Rio.

Boy am I tired, I am more tired than a very tired thing and then some. Which is saying something! Though munching an apple is giving me a brief awake moment and I think I may be getting a second wind of awakeness. And am having difficulty adding photos to this blog, so photoless it is for now.

It is barely 8pm here and my roomie is about to land according to the internet. Just under 8 hours direct. My flight was a little more exotic, as I left Gatwick at 4.15 Friday afternoon, flew to Casablanca, then had a couple of hours wait before heading to Rio via a hour or so in Sao Paolo.
Met Alexander on the plane, the Secretary General (also Chef de Mission) of Sierra Leone paralympic committee. They have a table tennis athlete taking part and sounds like funding etc has been fun for them, only receiving their travel grants on Thursday.  He is also a radio broadcaster so is doing pieces to send back home too. Brilliant English speaker, I have smatterings of a few languages, sadly not enough to converse fully, I always feel bad about it.

We arrived in Rio about 20 hours after I left Gatwick, and had completely forgotten to prebook a taxi collection, so after finding the free wifi at the airport and catching up on a few things, I headed to the accredited taxi rank and booked a taxi there and didn't have long to wait. Had the foresight to print the address of where I was going, even though I had forgotten to pack both my travel guides and my hints and tips sheet.
Got to the resort, had a minor hitch, no idea which apartment we were in and no way to contact the host as all was done via whatsapp which needs wifi. I waited and waited, but no sign. Then frustrated and getting tired and upset, I realised I could use my mobile data roaming (at a very extortionate rate) but it would do the trick. And 2 hours after I arrived, I eventually found where I was going and headed up to meet the host. Again very good English, when compared to my virtually nonexistent Portuguese.

Settled in to the flat, I checked my emails to see there was one re the opening ceremony, so I needed to print the ticket. A Lan room on site meant I should be able to go along and do it, and brilliantly there was no charge, though we did have issues trying to print, so one of the ladies there using a machine and also wanting to print something, stepped in as interpreter, and when the printer in the room failed to deliver, even with the standard turn it off and back on again routine, the paper was sent across to the printer in the Spa, and we all headed across to collect. The lady, Marly, gave me her phone and apartment number and said if I needed to contact for anything please to do so. So friendly!
Time to stock up on a few items, though I did bring some with me, so a supermarket trip just along the road from the resort, was next on the list. Only needed a few items yet still managed to forget milk. Camomile tea it is then. ;-)

Tomorrow we head to collect uniforms then in the afternoon/evening the opening ceremony rehearsal. First shift is Monday.
But for now....sleep.

And we are off.....almost

OK, Bag packed yet?
er no.........
faffing anonymous here, so last minute.com it will be then.
A bit of chasing around buying last minute bits and pieces a visit to my Mum and Dad and a quick Skype recap and facebook messenger (will save a fortune in phone bill) and a copy of my schedule with the words
"Rio time is 4 hours behind UK time"
in large letters at the top will hopefully do the trick. (or not)

I think I have everything printed ready to take.
e-tickets - check
Insurance documents - check
Last Leg tickets - check
Archery Tickets - check
Swimming tickets - check
Apartment address - check

Pretty sure though I have most things on the internet and I should be able to access from there.

Got a bit of a scare when I had a new roster appear in my inbox changing the shifts away from my previous days off, the very days I booked my tickets as I knew I had no shifts. But luckily my team manager is on the case and shifted them all back as they were. I did have to do a double take when the next email arrived removing those shifts as at first all I saw were the days and was in another "Oh no" mode, though decided if needs be I can sort when there.
Just waiting to hear if we have been allocated tickets to attend the final dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony, which would be on the day before I start my shifts, so would be brilliant. Fingers crossed everyone who applied gets them. I have 2 new SD cards for my camera, so be prepared for masses of photos and updates.

So the headache is already starting to build, I knew I had forgotten something when I suddenly thought "stugeron" so I can sleep on the plane, which would be brilliant, so maybe I can pick that up at Gatwick to go along with the rest of the drugs I am taking with me, headache pills, indigestion tablets, anti-histamines, immodium etc etc

Time to finish off a few more bits of faffing and then see if everything I want to take will fit in the suitcase I have, then heading off to the airport in the morning, with flight mid afternoon, heading to Casablanca, then from there to Rio.

Gosh time seems to have flown very quickly since deciding I was actually going after all. Now it's here I expect it will all be very like a dream until I get home again.
So I will see you all on the other side from Rio once I am in the apartment.
Looking forward to an awesome couple of weeks, a new adventure and some great sport.
Bring on the Superhumans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IocLkk3aYlk