Special Olympics 2005
The Special Olympics Great Britain Games were held in Glasgow in July 2005.
These games are held every four years and this is the first time they have come to Scotland.
The Air Cadets from Glasgow & West Scotland Wing were asked to be part of the games by helping with the presentations of medals to the athletes.
Flight Lieutenant Susie Waller from 2496 (Cumbernauld) Squadron was approached by the Games Management Committee and asked to join them as the Presentations Co-ordinator, in organising the presentation of the medals at all of the events taking place in Glasgow, Flying Officer Stevie Cairns was appointed as Deputy Co-ordinator. Preparations started a year or so ago and Squadrons were approached to assist at the games.
The Air Cadets and staff from 32F, 62, 122, 912, 1701, 1777, 2452, and 2496 Squadron, Glasgow & West Scotland Wing joined together to form a formidable team. Training was given by games staff to the cadets and staff and they were deployed to the different venues within the city:
Originally the cadets were only to be responsible for the presentation of medals at all venues but we were also asked to take part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The opening Ceremony took place at Celtic Park in Glasgow and the staff and cadets organised the arrival of the athletes with the cadets escorting the athletes into the stadium. This was a mammoth task of organisation and patience and we managed to get 1,500 athletes in and seated within 55 minutes.
Sgt Craig Emslie and Cpl Natalie MacDonald 2496 Sqd were given the task of raising the Special Olympics flag during the opening ceremony, a nerve racking moment for them both but one they can now look back on and feel proud of and enjoy. Cadets were also involved in escorting the athletes who were bringing the flame of hope into the Stadium.
During the week, the cadets were allocated to the various venues and they carried out the presentations of the medals.
Group Captain Morag Urquhart, Scotland & N Ireland Region joined us on the Wednesday at Scotstoun and it was not long before she was presenting medals to the successful athletes. Grp Cpt Urquhart was also able to fit in an interview on Radio Scotland while at the games village. The Grp Capt said that she enjoyed her day and that the cadets and staff were a credit to Glasgow & West Scotland Wing.‘
Two of the cadets also became radio stars as they were interviewed live on Radio Clyde from Scotstoun, saying how they got involved in the games and how they were glad they had volunteered to help.
Suzie McGuire Radio Clyde DJ joined the cadets at Scotstoun for some medal presentations and mentioned them on her show the next morning, ‘congratulating them on the the great job they were doing’.
The Cadets and Staff of the Air Training Corps, Glasgow & West Scotland Wing were thanked by all who were involved and Games Director, Gordon McCormack said that he was delighted with how the presentations had gone and that the cadets were a credit to their staff and the organisation.
All the cadets had a wonderful week and would have no hesitation in taking part in such an event again.