RCN London celebrates 2012 Games

Published: 26 June 2012

RCN London joined a celebratory event for non-commercial organisations supporting the 2012 Games.

In May, Development Officer, Alison Telfer joined the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) to celebrate the role of ‘advocate groups` in the run up to the Games. The role of voluntary and community groups has been vital in engaging diverse communities in London and across the UK. Alison and Bernell Bussue, Regional Director have both been involved and Alison has recently chaired the voluntary and community sector group representing membership organisations like the National Trust, Women’s Institute and public sector organisations. Alison was delighted to meet Tanni Grey-Thompson and to receive a letter of thanks from Sebastian Coe. And yes, it was a real signature!

RCN London members are helping make the Games a success by volunteering. Mike Smith told In Touch what they will be doing.

What made you get involved?

Mike Smith: When the Games were announced as coming to London, back in 2005, I knew that I wanted to play a part. I have visited Olympia in Greece, where it all started as well as the Sydney and Montreal Olympics sites and now the Olympics and Paralympics were coming to my home city! I have done a fair bit of voluntary work over the years using my medical skills so I applied to help.

What exactly will you be doing?

I am going to be working as a ‘Field of Play’ medic at the wheelchair basketball venue for the Paralympics.

Do you get free entry to watch any events?

Mike Smith: I'm not sure that we do, but it looks like I will have a front row seat for much of the Paralympics basketball games which are pretty fast and furious. Hopefully not too many casualties for me to treat though. I did manage to get some Hand ball tickets for the Olympics so I am really looking forward to seeing that.

How many nurses will be performing a similar role at the Games?

There are 5000 volunteer medical staff including doctors, paramedics, therapists and of course nurses. There were 240,000 applications to be Games makers and that was for 70,000 roles so I feel quite amazed that I was accepted for the role I wanted. I know of four other nurses from our hospital that were successful and they will be working across London during the Games. So I guess several thousand nurses are likely to be involved.