....Badge of Pride....

Some of my badges from the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, including the Crew 2002 badge, the uniform badge and the two versions of the Games Village badge only given to those with the pass to work inside the Athlete's Village. The other three are versions of the Manchester Games badge.

Volunteering for the Games was one of the best things I've ever done, just to be part of such a big sporting event, to see the competitors from all round the world, to know that you were doing a once in a lifetime activity.......oh how I envy those who are about to do the same for the 2012 London Olympics.

The Son and Heir volunteered and being a hockey player that was his chosen area....the hockey tournament.....luckily he got selected and he got to escort teams to the pitch, sit with teams during games, build the medal podium, be part of the medal ceremonies,...he has some brilliant keepsakes, including a ball signed by the goalies from the finals, bits of kit from several teams and of course his own kit.

I was a driver for St. Vincent and the Grenadines team, but in reality we were called on by many of the Carribean teams. Every morning/afternoon shift it was check in, collect mobile phone, keys for the vehicles and then it was whatever the teams wanted....some days trips to Old Trafford/Manchester United, or the Trafford Centre Shopping Mall, some days the rounds of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners, some days ferrying athletes and officials to and from the stadium, other days just chilling with the team in the Village. I drove people carriers, saloon cars and executive cars.......I ate with the team......I got into several events....I met hundreds of the world's top sportsmen and women....and at the end of it all we got a medal and a few weeks later a huge Party in the Park,transport, ice cream, drinks, snacks,meals all gratis, concert, funfair and fireworks....even alcohol.....and we could take a guest each.....I took the Boss and Chris took the Daughter....it was a lovely thank you.

I thought about volunteering for the Olympics ...but I don't think I'd get the time off work....and I certainly don't know London well enough to drive round there!

I've got more badges, some from teams, some from events, perhaps I'll blip them soon. Still thinking about a theme for a series....we'll see what develops.

Das vidanya moy padruga.