Team Leaders from the Olympic sports met with the leadership of Team GB during a two-day workshop, which concluded today at the British Olympic Association (BOA) headquarters in London. With the passing of the 500 days to go mark, the workshop provided an important opportunity for members of the Team GB delegation, led by Chef de Mission Andy Hunt, to present and discuss the detailed operational plan which is now being executed to prepare Team GB for the London 2012 Olympic Games. During the workshop Members of the Team GB leadership updated Team Leaders on progress being made across the various programmes which are now being delivered to prepare Team GB in performance and Games services, and the support services being put into place to ensure the benefits from competing on home soil are maximised, and the disadvantages are minimised for British athletes. At every Olympic Games the sports come together to form a single Olympic team; Team GB, which will comprise over 500 athletes in London 2012. Swimming Performance Director Michael Scott gave insights into Games preparations from his sport and best practice was shared and discussed between sports and the Team GB leaders throughout the workshop. The meeting represents the second of six workshops planned in advance of London 2012. The first workshop was held at Loughborough University, site of Team GB’s preparation camp, in November last year. Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission said: “With the passing of the 500 days to go mark we are now into the crucial phase of executing our plans for London 2012. I am delighted that over the last two days we have gained strong support from the Team Leaders towards the various services we are delivering to the athletes and sports that will join to form Team GB in London next summer.
“The role the Team Leaders fulfil is an absolutely vital one in the engine room of Team GB. The spirit of teamwork and collaboration present was a mark of the shared determination and commitment that will ultimately create the platform for Team GB success in London 2012.
“We have taken on board the constructive recommendations which will help improve the programmes we are delivering and we will incorporate them as we test many of our systems and programmes during 2011, which represents the final full season of competition before 2012.”
John Anderson, Canoeing Team Leader said: “It's been an extremely valuable two days. The fact that this workshop took place with 500 days to go was extremely appropriate. It created a sharp focus for us all on just how close the Games now are, and the importance of the 'One Team GB' concept we are all embracing. “As a team, we are working together and really getting into the details and processes that will make the critical differences for athletes. That's what this is all about: providing athletes with the resources and support they need to deliver their performances on the day.”
Dominic Mahony, Modern Pentathlon Team Leader said: “The last couple of days have reiterated to me that even when you have done this job three times before, this is a very valuable forum. It has been good to hear about the progress to date, receive operational updates and take advantage of the networking opportunities with the other Team Leaders and Team GB management. It was great to have an update from LOCOG and also spend time with the UK Sport principles. It was exciting to be part of the 500 day countdown celebration here in London.”
David Faulkner, Hockey Team Leader said: “The workshop was very productive and there is a real sense of momentum building behind Team GB’s journey to London 2012. I am confident in the programmes being delivered by the BOA to support Team GB and believe that the challenges on the table are being taken on board and effective solutions found where necessary.”
Lorraine Brown, Handball Team Leader said: “The workshop has really added value to our preparations for London 2012. Around 95% of our athletes and staff have not attended an Olympic Games before so we have gained greatly from the experience and advice shared by both the BOA and the other sports in the room. Ultimately, the workshop will help us on our journey to be best prepared for London 2012 and give our greatest contribution to Team GB.”