31st August 2012 - London 2012 Paralympic Games

31st August 2012 - And it was my first shift at the Paralympic Games! Unlike the Olympics, I stayed in a flat in Whitechapel - only a few stops away from the Olympic Park.

Once I had got the keys to my flat - I got changed into my uniform, and I was off to the Olympic Park to start my first shift at the Basketball Arena!

View of Olympic Stadium as I passed through the Park

As I was walking through the park, I took dozens of pictures - it was simply incredible. People occasionally stopped me and asked me to take photos for them - and of course, I was happy to do so. As I continued through the Olympic Park, I was in awe of the surroundings; the venues were simply superb, the spectators were having the time of their lives, and the Games Makers were incredible. The weather was also pretty good, which was a plus! I continued on past the Olympic Stadium, and followed the crowd who were on their way to the Basketball Arena. It was a long walk - but it was very enjoyable, taking in the whole atmosphere. I reached the Basketball Arena, which was situated directly beside the Veledrome - which was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen!

And finally, I reached the Basketball Arena. A 10-storey temporary structure, it seated over 10,000 people. An amazing sight - and even more amazing inside! I went to the check in desk - and was given a Games Maker journal and pin badge - the pin badge the same as I received at the Olympic Games, but the journal was a Paralympic Journal. I was given a piece of card, and got it stamped every day that I checked in, and was given a gift every day! 

As I began my first shift in the arena bowl - the atmosphere grew and grew. After every time-out, and at the end of every quarter, music was played - C'est la Vie being my favourite song! (It was also an excuse to get my Irish flag out at every opportunity)!

I met a lot of great people on my first day - and the whole atmosphere was electric! Once my first shift was over, I headed back to Whitechapel to get a night of sleep before my next shift!