Uniform Collection at UDAC

Yesterday it was finally time to go and collect all of my Games Maker kit and accreditation from the UDAC (Uniform Distribution & Accreditation Centre). This is something that I've been looking forward to for ages!

The UDAC is situated on Stephenson Street, in London's Canning Town and is where most of the 70,000 Games Makers, plus the paid staff collect their uniform. It turned out to be a huge warehouse, in the middle of a particularly ugly industrial estate, but conveniently it was right next to the Star Lane DLR station, so there was no chance of getting lost.

UDAC, 101 Stephenson Street

As always, everything was extremely well organised. First step was to check in, which as you can see below, required very little waiting even though it was a Saturday afternoon.

Checking in

Then, depending on your situation (eg. if you need to get your photo re-taken for your accreditation), you are asked to follow a different coloured line on the ground, which takes you to where you need to go. As everything was in order for me, I was able to go straight to the accreditation area, where I was given my ID badge for the Games. Then it was around the corner to a waiting area.

Waiting for the shoes

Even though this looks like a horrendous queue, it moved quickly and it was a nice opportunity to get to talk to some fellow Games Makers and compare notes while we waited.

Then it was time to be fitted for the shoes..

Shoe Fitting

The shoes are my absolute favourite part of the uniform. They look great and they're very light and comfortable - which is important when you consider how long we will be wearing them for and how much walking around we'll be doing during the Games.

After the shoes, we were shown to a different area to try on the shirt, trousers and jacket. There were no mirrors in the changing rooms, unfortunately, but I guess this was deliberate to ensure that people are as quick as possible when trying things on and don't spend time admiring themselves in their Olympic finery! All of the sizes are noted down for you on a form, which you then take to the distribution area...

Uniform distribution area

It's here that you realise how much kit you are being given: shoes, two pairs of trousers, two shirts, a jacket, socks, a bag, a water bottle, an umbrella, a special Games Maker Swatch watch and a notebook. All of this is packed into a big black bag, which is completely full by the time you move on to the checkout area...

Checking out

Here everything is taken out and compared against your "shopping list" to make sure that there haven't been any mistakes. It's also scanned at the till (I guess for stock control) before it's all packed up again for you and you're sent on your way, stopping briefly to collect your Games Maker Oyster card on the way.

From check-in to check-out, the whole process took no more than 1 1/2 hours. As I've mentioned before, I've really been impressed by how well organised everything has been so far and I hope this bodes well for the Games themselves.

What a brilliant day!