London 2012 blog

Recently, a team of us from London 2012 took the train down to (very sunny) Weymouth for a two-day workshop with representatives from the local authorities to help plan the transport operations and spectator viewing arrangements for the Sailing events for the 2012 Games.

We spent one day in meetings with Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council discussing the options for how best to accommodate the numbers of spectators that are anticipated to attend the events and what transport arrangements will be necessary to get everyone there and back safely.

The second day was spent touring Weymouth and Portland looking at potential sites for spectator viewing areas along the coast line - see photo of Weymouth beach, one of the potential sites:



We even managed to squeeze in a team run along the promenade of Weymouth Bay (following our accessibility officer on his electric mobility scooter) and a meeting with Southwest Trains’ accessibility officer – both before breakfast!

Working with the combined local authorities allowed us to gain from the amassed local knowledge and experience gained from previous events held in the area. I also took the opportunity to pick the brains of the Engineering and Harbour Services Manager from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council about major Hockey tournaments, as it turns out he’s an international Hockey referee in his spare time (thanks Martyn!).