Pre-Games visit

Arrive in Birmingham 7 days before Opening Ceremony to collect Uniform and Accreditation.  There is a 45min queue to get into the UAC, and once inside there is a further delay due to a problem of duplicate roles - originally I had been offered a volunteer post, before withdrawing from that for a paid Team Leader role in Anti-Doping.  

Have to wait over 4 hours to be seen by the Help Desk.  They are dealing with lots of people who hav not had their security clearance completed.  For me once I'm seen it takes less than 5 mins to resolve my problem - apparently the volunteer and the workforce sections don't communicate with each other...

Then it is a quick visit to the Uniform section - got there 5 mins before they closed for the day.  Fortunately for paid staff they already have our kit prepared for collection.  There will, of course, be the usual concern as to whether it will fit.

The uniform is supplied in a compostable carrier bag - they want these Games to be as green as possible.  Have to provide our own water bottles, as there will be no bottles of water available,  just Severn Trent water refill stations around the venues

Once back at the hotel, try the uniform on.  They're supplied all the sizes provided and it fits.  

Uniform comprises 2 polo shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, an adjustable belt, a gilet, a waterproof jacket,  a cap, and a shoulder bag for use while on shift.  Have to supply our own trainers (and they have to have discreet branding on them)

The following day on this pre-Games visit it is a 10min train trip from New St Station to Birmingham International to reach the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) for a venue familiarisation half day.  The NEC is hosting the most events:

Netball (NEC Arena)

Weightlifting and Paralifting (Hall 1)

Table Tennis and ParaTable Tennis (Hall 3)

Boxing (Hall 4)

Badminton (Hall 5)

At the visit, the Halls were still not fully prepared - so not able to gain an idea of the layout which we will be working in.  There will be various spectator capacities ranging from 2500 up to 9000 for Boxing

Other Halls are being used a practice areas, and the two hotels on site (Moxy and Hilton) form part of the Athlete Village.  Also at the NEC is the Bear Grylls Experience, but somehow think I'll not be doing that in my down time

The Arden Hotel where B2022 is putting us up is an approximate 10 min walk from Birmingham International station and the Workforce Security entrance to the NEC

As is usual for these venue specific sessions, we have the mandatory 'Elf and Safety session and general familiarisation of what to expect

After the half day, it was then time to get back to New Street and the train home