Venue Specific Training

On Saturday, it was time for Venue Specific Training (VST) at Greenwich Park. This was the first time that we have been able to see the venue, meet some of the people who we'll be working with and really get a flavour of what we'll be doing during the Games.

It was also the first time that I've travelled all the way from Aylesbury to Greenwich Park - not a short trip! Since I was last in London a few weeks ago, pink 2012 signs have been put up in the Underground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations, indicating the right trains to take for the various venues. These are certainly very useful.

Canary Wharf DLR station

Taking the DLR to Greenwich

Another welcome discovery was the free wi-fi that is being offered in all of the stations this summer. As you can't generally get a mobile phone signal on the Underground, this is great news.

Entrance to Greenwich Park

Once I got to Greenwich Park, I signed in and was directed to a large marquee. We were seated based on which direction we would be travelling to the Games from, so I was sat in the "North" section. This was a great way to share travel tips with people from your part of the country, while we waited for things to get started.

There then followed a series of presentations to inform us about the venue and the various events that will be taking place there. Following this we were split up into groups, based on our roles, and taken for a tour of the park.

Greenwich Park is where all of the equestrian events will be taking place, as well as the running, riding and shooting disciplines of the modern pentathlon. It's a massive venue (74 hectares/183 acres) and it's extremely impressive. We weren't allowed to take any photos, unfortunately, as things are still under construction and the cross-country course is meant to be confidential until Games time, but it's truly spectacular.

It's only when you see a venue up close that you begin to appreciate just how much work and organisation is required to prepare and staff just one of these places. Where do you even begin when presented with such a huge project? When you then consider how many venues there are, the overall scale of the Olympics is breathtaking.

So, another brilliant day! Next up, the Opening Ceremony technical rehearsal!