So, for example, one Deloitte secondee, Adele, who is in LOCOG's transport team, dedicated a few days to the transport function in Vancouver. She had to face up to the challenge of moving 2,800 athletes from the comfort of their village to the spectacular Opening Ceremony.
Deloitte's Head of Sponsorship, Annabel, carefully examined how VANOC's sponsors are promoting their association with the Games and running their hospitality programmes.
Another Deloitte person, Kate, was in Vancouver for longer, seconded to the British Olympic Association to programme manage Team GB. She was involved in everything from kitting out the athletes with their official outfits and making the athletes village as comfortable as possible to ensuring there were plenty of Union flags in evidence!
I was lucky enough to have a week in Vancouver and Whistler too – it was action-packed and varied, from high level meetings with IOC members and officials, talking about Deloitte’s support for the Olympic movement, through to supporting the Canadian firm’s client hospitality.
I also got the essential behind-the-scenes insights – in the media centre, at venues and talking to the teams behind the athletes for GB and Canada.
Not to mention, of course, the privilege of attending a variety of sports events, seeing how the Canadians have created a great atmosphere across long courses and for individual track performances, as well as the easier to manage team competitions.
We were amazed by the talent and the dedication of the competitors. Some of these winter sports demand a taste for adrenaline and risk that makes me shiver!
Now, back in the office, I can see from my desk literally hundreds of good luck cards written by Deloitte people. These are destined for the eight members of the ParalympicsGB team who have received Deloitte funding through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Our people are clearly proud of Deloitte Disability Sport.
I can't help but be excited about the next 800+ days as we move towards London 2012. It was fantastic to see the last Games before London in full swing. I particularly enjoyed being in Deloitte House in Vancouver, alongside many other Deloitte partners and clients from around the world, seeing just how inspirational the Games can be, and the myriad of opportunities that they present for a firm like ours.
I feel re-energised, proud that Deloitte has been part of London 2012 from the very beginning and excited to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with LOCOG delivering London 2012.
