‘Marvellous experience’ for Games volunteer Caroline (From Ilkley Gazette)

‘Marvellous experience’ for Games volunteer Caroline

10:00am Saturday 25th August 2012 in Local news

An Olympic Games volunteer has described her ‘marvellous’ experiences in London after returning home.

Caroline Leeming, who works at the Ilkley Moor Medical Practice, spent almost a fortnight in the capital for the 2012 Games, working in the transport hub.

But Mrs Leeming, 59, who lives in Ilkley, also managed to see plenty of sites during her time down south. “It was a marvellous experience,” she said.

“The best bits were attending the rehearsal for the opening ceremony; seeing the Olympic flame being rowed down the Thames on the Gloriana at 7.30am; cheering on the Team GB cyclists at the road races and time trials – you could tell when Bradley Wiggins was on his way by the helicopter overhead; the wonders of the Olympic Park; discovering the entertainment of handball; and seeing the amazing Brownlees conquering the world.”

Aside from the action, Mrs Leeming said she enjoyed the work and the atmosphere surrounding the Games.

“I was booking transport for various sports ministers and International Olympic Committee dignitaries,” she added.

“These were mainly from overseas, so it was rewarding to be involved with so many different members of the ‘Olympic family’.

“The transport section worked 24 hours, seven days a week, so there was no telling who might call. I was working with a really motivated team who came from all over the world, but who were dedicated to making London 2012 a success.

“The only problem was people ringing up just as Usain Bolt was on the starting blocks!

“I would definitely do it all again tomorrow, and wish I could spare the holiday time to go and work at the Paralympics as well.”