Special Olympics Volunteer Diary - Day 1

At last we're off to Dublin! The months of waiting are over, as are the trials of getting our security clearances* in time. Meeting Roy Keenan**, press attention, a buffet lunch, receiving thoughtful goody bags (containing maps, guide to Dublin and other treats) all add to our collective excitement.

We're met at Dublin Airport*** by Breda Gartland, one of the volunteer co-ordinators, plus some of our host families. Lisa and I are whisked off to Dun Laoghaire for a BBQ with Lisa's host family. We meet my host, Cathy Harrison and her family, plus a number of fellow volunteers from the Bank. A lively evening ensues - it's going to be a good week!

* = we had to go through the standard police criminal check and didn't meet the deadline given for Special Olympics volunteers to confirm their suitability to work with children. Much angst ensued amongst us as we thought we wouldn't be allowed to go

** = the Managing Director of the UK part of the Bank at the time

*** = the airport was packed, full of athletes who'd come for the Games. Each team was announced over the airport's tannoy system and the whole place would come to a halt whilst the athletes passed through, accompanied by everyone cheering and clapping them. Our arrival coincided with the arrival of Team America, who'd come over in a 747 specially chartered for the event

Click here for Day 2.