Paralympics were 'unforgettable' for Wyre Forest volunteers (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Paralympics were 'unforgettable' for Wyre Forest volunteers

7:40am Friday 14th September 2012 in News By William Tomaney

WYRE Forest Gamesmakers and volunteers involved in the London 2012 Paralympic Games have described their experiences as “unforgettable”.

Stourport resident Helen Winter helped out at the table tennis in the ExCel Centre, assisting members of the “Paralympic family” when they came to the venue to watch events.

Cookley dancer Jack Ludwig appeared in Sunday’s closing ceremony, assisting the flagbearer for Greece into the stadium, while Kidderminster town crier Jim Pearman helped call athletes into the Olympic Stadium for the Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies.

Mrs Winter, 48, said: “It was an amazing atmosphere at the venue. People were cheering for all of the athletes – it didn’t matter which country they were from.

“Hearing what people said at the ceremonies about the contribution of Gamesmakers made me feel very proud. The buzz around London was fantastic and one man stopped me on the Tube and said ‘well done you’. It was unforgettable.”

Mrs Winter is a Guide leader at Third Areley Kings Guides and was due to talk to the group about her experience last night.

Mr Ludwig, who was also involved in the Olympic opening ceremony, described his experience as “amazing”.

“I escorted the athlete into the stadium, where a heart shape was formed on the pitch,” he said.

“I got to stay and watch Coldplay with the athletes and I was right next to Rihanna when she came into the stadium on a ship.”

The dancer said he had applied to volunteer at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Mr Pearman was representing town criers and said he was “proud” that millions around the world were able to see the British tradition in action.

“It was great fun. I had a wonderful time and the athletes were very inspirational,” he added. “The world will be viewing pictures of town criers, which is great.”