I Finally Collect My Gamesmaker Uniform (From Bucks Free Press)

I Finally Collect My Gamesmaker Uniform

9:03pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Blogs By Sunita Gill

Standing outside the station I nervously riffled through my bag to find my map. From the corner of my eye I noticed another lady looking somewhat lost.

I couldn't help but wonder if she too was a games maker trying to navigate her way to the 'uniform distribution and accreditation centre' (UDAC). Having plucked up the courage, I asked her and to my relief she was trying to find her bearings too!

After figuring out the route we chatted all the way there like two school girls. It's hard to explain and put into words but there really seems to be this indiscernible thread connecting fellow games makers.

On reaching the UDAC we were asked to queue up to check we had the relevant identification with us. No sooner had we done this when we were whisked over to another area and given our accreditation passes. As I chatted to another games maker we realised that the pictures must have been taken at the interview stage as I was wearing a polo neck. However with the weather we've had I wouldn't have been out of place wearing a polo neck in June!

Next, we were directed to changing rooms to try on our uniforms. There were no mirrors and I wonder if that was intentional, as the queues would have moved sluggishly if there were. Instead I had to rely on my fellow games makers in the cubicles next to me for their advice and opinions. Different coloured epaulettes are worn to identify specific groups. The medical team will have white and anti-doping personnel will have green epaulettes.

Once all our sizes had been noted down we were then sent to another area where all our uniform items were put together and immaculately packed into a tremendous black bag. There was a complimentary Olympic swatch watch for each games maker as well as a set of postcards to commemorate the Olympics. In addition to the uniform we were also given a shoulder bag (that can be adjusted to be worn as a rucksack), water bottle, raincoat, cap and umbrella.

Whilst conversing with another games maker he commented on how there were people from all walks of life here, so diverse and yet all ardent and zealous. I couldn’t have agreed with him more. For such an enormous warehouse like building the cold was quickly displaced by the rapture and radiance from all those within it.

Once the bag was packed and given to us we then queued up for the bag to be rechecked again. As many games makers were travelling from a far it is imperative that the uniform is all correctly sized and nothing is missing as it would be too cumbersome and impractical to return to UDAC for alterations. As my journey there had taken nearly 2 hours I was grateful they were meticulous and checked everything with a fine toothed comb!

As I ambled back to the underground with my fellow games maker, clutching our heavy bags, we both were admirably amazed at how well organised and efficient the session at UDAC was. After bidding a cordial farewell to each other, I boarded my train knowing that I was now another step closer to this once in a lifetime opportunity!

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