With the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games rapidly approaching, support staff from the British Olympic Association (BOA) and those seconded to, or volunteering for, Team GB from National Governing Bodies of Olympic Winter Sport, sportscotland, Sport Wales and UK Sport, gathered at BOA partner BP’s headquarters in Sunbury to discuss the final preparations ahead of the Games next year.
The day was an opportunity for Team GB support staff (including administrative staff, doctors, physios, press officers)to become aware of the procedures taking place prior to, and during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, ensuring that all Team GB athletes can perform at their optimum level during the Games. Presentations were conducted throughout the day from the various areas of support explaining how they specifically will be supporting Team GB. The Leadership Team also conducted a ‘Scenario Planning’ session to ensure eventualities that could arise throughout the Winter Olympics were played out, with solutions explored for potential issues that Team GB may face.
The day also included a “Sochi Superstars” teambuilding session and a Sochi quiz to round off the day.
The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games have the potential to be one of the most successful for Team GB, with medal hopes across a variety of different sports and disciplines. It is therefore imperative that athletes are given the best opportunity and support needed to succeed, the away day acting as a facilitator of this.
Team GB Sochi 2014 Chef de Mission Mike Hay said:
With just 78 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Games, today was a fantastic opportunity for all of Team GB support staff, across the various functions, to come together as One Team GB. The support staff play a crucial role in the lead up, and during, the Games, in ensuring that all Team GB athletes can perform at their optimum level and I am delighted to be leading such a talented, dedicated and passionate team to the Games.