cookie goes dancing: While I dance I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. That is why I dance. --Hans Bos

The National Games are here and yes I am sporting my #onebigsmile! :)

Day One: The Opening Ceremony

Obligatory quick shot in the loos to show off the new uniform. It's very....green! ;)

The before shot - our very exciting setting tonight's proceedings!

The little bit after shot and my first job of the afternoon - the delivery of 2500 lunches under the seats for our most important guests; the athletes and their coaches!


Job two - seating people in the right places


Thumbs up! Going well so far!

My third job was as impromptu 'Cheer Team' for the Athletes' Parade. One of the volunteers had the lovely idea of getting a selection of us to line up either side of the route the athletes took to their seats. Absolute chaos for those in charge, managing the routes that was. An absolute dream of a time for little old me to be so close to the action!
]
The athletes were 'held' prior to their entrance in teams a few hundred yards or so from the main seating area. There were a number of routes the teams could take to their seats and stewards in fluorescent jackets were in charge of allocating one to each. Not entirely sure what exactly happened, but it was soon apparent that none of the teams were arriving by the routes the stewards were expecting and so there was a LOT of running around trying to predict where the teams would appear and ensure their safe passage through the crowd. Running behind them was me! Hehe! Only a few of us 'hard core' cheerers went after each and every team as it were. Hard work all that running - worth it of course!

The South West Team making their entrance and you might just be able to make out some of the other teams in the background patiently waiting their turn. A little bit serious looking here. They soon cheered up when they reached the audience waiting for them!

The after shot if you will, everyone in their seats - photo courtesy of the official Bath 2013 website. Had to share this, awesome sight no?!!!

And from the other way...

I was a little too far back and, well yes probably more pertinently, too busy boogieing to be taking many photos of the ceremony itself - so below is a collage I made using some of the great photos that were shared on the Special Olympic GB facebook page.

Pictured: Clare Teal; Susan Boyle; Bristol Urban Parkour; Clyve; Colin Salmon and; Attik Dance.


Will Strong (second from left in green) - one of our very own Exeter athletes accompanying the flame of hope to its final destination! Quite rightly beaming and enjoying every second! Love it!

Just dawned on me that on this exact date last year I was appearing at the opening ceremony of the London Paralympics. Today I have the very great honour of being at another opening ceremony! Hmmm I feel the challenge is on now to find another for 2014!!!!