I have been a keen volunteer since I was very young, maybe aged eleven or twelve. I was involved in youth work for years, and was a regular volunteer at my local youth club, Clann Eireann in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. I was part of cross community initiatives, as well as representing my town on a local Youth Forum, which engaged with young people in the area. In addition to this, I was a youth leader at the annual Summer Scheme that lasted three weeks during the summer. I was also given the opportunity to twice, take a youth group on a residential.
In addition to this, I enjoyed volunteering with different organisations, and helped raise £800 for Cool FM charity Cash for Kids. Furthermore, I am a fully registered Special Olympics Volunteer.
When I was 17 years old, I applied to be a London 2012 Games Maker. Almost two years later, after numerous interviews, I was chosen to be an Olympics Games Maker at Wembley Arena and a Paralympics Games Maker at the Basketball Arena in the Olympic Park. My mum and dad said I wouldn't be able to do it, I couldn't afford it, I was too young and inexperienced. I had never been out of Ireland before, I had never been on a plane, and hadn't seen any other part of the world. I had never done anything on my own before, had never been away from my family for more than a day or two. Big challenge for me - but one I was excited to take on.
Without my mum and dad knowing, I accepted my Games Maker roles. I was at university studying Leisure and Events Management four days a week. I also worked for minimum wage in McDonald's five days a week to be able to save the money to be a Games Maker.
After countless training days for both Games, two uniform pick ups, twelve flights, six Gatwick Express tickets, over three weeks worth of accommodation in one of the most expensive cities in Europe, food and tube expenses, I am proud to say that 'I DID IT'. Over £4000 was spent on the most memorable trip of my life. And being a Games Maker is an experience that I will never forget.
From receiving my Games Maker uniform from Seb Coe, to being a part of the most amazing Olympic and Paralympic Games the world has ever seen - I never thought I would do it!
There was great camaraderie among the Games Makers who came from all over the UK, and further afield, and many lasting friendships have been formed. It was an experience like no other, and everyone joined in a collective state of euphoria. After 10 hour shifts, we were dancing on the Tube all the way home.
At the end of my journey, endless tears were shed, ridiculous dancing and singing took place, lifelong friends were made, inspiring athletes I met, and my dream has been realised. People have came to me in the street and thanked me, I have received amazing pin badges from fans and athletes, but most of all, I have gained friends and memories that I will cherish forever.
From receiving my Games Maker uniform from Seb Coe, to being a part of the most amazing Olympic and Paralympic Games the world has ever seen - I never thought I would do it!
There was great camaraderie among the Games Makers who came from all over the UK, and further afield, and many lasting friendships have been formed. It was an experience like no other, and everyone joined in a collective state of euphoria. After 10 hour shifts, we were dancing on the Tube all the way home.
Not only was being a Games Maker an amazing personal experience, it also made me view life in a different way, especially during the Paralympic Games. How amazing are those athletes? They are superhuman. I can proudly say I have had the pleasure of working with such amazing athletes, and I am so blessed to have listened to their stories.
At the end of my journey, endless tears were shed, ridiculous dancing and singing took place, lifelong friends were made, inspiring athletes I met, and my dream has been realised. People have came to me in the street and thanked me, I have received amazing pin badges from fans and athletes, but most of all, I have gained friends and memories that I will cherish forever.
At the end of my Games Maker journey, I returned to the little town of Lurgan in Northern Ireland, a long way away from the big city lights of London. As soon as I got home, my mum hugged me and said 'I am so proud of you', and that makes it all worthwhile, and makes me proud to have been a part of London 2012. Walking out of the park for the last time, I was so emotional. The experience of being a Games Maker has changed my whole outlook on life. £4000 well spent.
In the time since London, I have had the most amazing opportunities that I could ever have asked for. I applied for a job at Manchester United Football Club - and was asked to come for an interview. I paid for flights, travel, food and accommodation to go to Manchester for an interview, and I was given a job! I then went to Manchester for an induction, and subsequently paid a ridiculous amount of money to go to Manchester three times to work at Old Trafford, but I have made these sacrifices because it has been a dream to work for Manchester United ever since I was a child.
In addition to this, I was offered a job for my University placement year at Walt Disney World, Florida, beginning August 13th 2013. How amazing is that?
London 2012 has also inspired me to continue volunteering. I have a passion for working with those less fortunate than us. I have recently took up a position of Event Services Manager with Special Olympics Ulster - which is extremely rewarding.
Furthermore, I have been offered a place within the Logistics team at the World Police & Fire Games in Belfast in August 2013. It will be amazing to represent my country at a home Games.
And all of this would not have been possible if I had not had the experience of being a Games Maker at London 2012.
So Thank You.
Thanks you to everyone who I met, especially my friends at the Basketball Arena. Thank you to my team leaders, to all my fellow Games Makers. Thank you to the spectators who made my role so much more enjoyable. Thank you to all the spectators who gave me 'high fives'. Thank you to the lady who handed me an Innocent Smoothie and thanked me for 'Making the Games'. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me through my Olympic and Paralympic experience. You have made it all worthwhile. And thank you to the Organising Committee of the Games, for giving me the opportunity to be a Games Maker. You have all given me an experience I will never forget for as long as I live. Maybe I will see some of you in Rio 2016. #MaireadOnTour
