London 2012 blog

Last week Manchester MEN Arena hosted the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) 2008.  Two temporary swimming pools (competition and warm-up) transformed the MEN Arena into a competition venue with 800 of the world’s best swimmers from more than 130 countries competing.   



As a seasoned volunteer and passionate sports fan I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed so I submitted my application to volunteer at the Championships and waited with baited breath. I was delighted when my successful application was confirmed. Arriving the night before the start of the Championships I was eagerly looking forward to finding out what my role would be. I checked into my hotel and then went off in search of my accreditation and uniform. I almost cried with laughter when I was presented with a pair of XXL men’s tracksuit bottoms which covered me from head to foot! The polo shirt was a slightly better fit – only a large. 

I set off for the MEN Arena the following morning deciding to take the tram. Oh how I wish I had walked! - I missed my stop and ended up in the suburbs, although it was along with a couple of swimmers from the Croatian Team! We eventually found our way back to the MEN Arena only a few minutes late. The cold and wet weather did not dampen my excitement. Just entering the venue by the Staff Entrance gave me a thrill as the swimming teams were being dropped off by coaches at this point.   

Read more of “A fabulous five days: volunteering at the Swimming World Champs”