Games Maker’s Stolen Uniform is Replaced by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership

News release

06th December 2012

A Games Maker from Lincolnshire whose jacket and bag was stolen whilst volunteering at the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer has had his uniform replaced by local sports charity Lincolnshire Sports Partnership.

Robin Wright, 59, from Sturton-by-Stow volunteered at the Olympic Games within the press and media department; guiding athletes to press conferences and interviews following their events.

Mr Wright volunteered for two weeks at the Archery event at Lords Cricket Ground and stayed with relatives in the city during this time. At the beginning of his second week, a man stole his purple Games Maker jacket and bag. Despite chasing the man, he escaped with Mr Wright’s possessions including his mobile phone, wallet and house keys.

Mr Wright said: “At the time, I just thought the items would be replaced. The Met Police caught the action on video and arrested the gentleman, but he had quickly passed the items on. I was assured LOCOG would replace everything and not to worry, but by the end of the Games, nothing had appeared. It was very disappointing – all the Games Makers were fantastic and we deserved better.

“I was told that there was no spare kit left and it was just hard luck. Phones and door locks could be replaced, but a once in a lifetime kit couldn’t.”

Despite calling for LOCOG to replace his jacket and bag through numerous emails, letters and phone calls, Mr Wright was unable to obtain any replacement uniform. After learning about his issue, staff at Lincolnshire Sports Partnership were keen to replace Mr Wright’s London 2012 uniform, and obtained a new jacket and bag from LOCOG this week.

Mr Wright added: “I was so taken back and very grateful that Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has been able to replace my kit. Being a Games Maker is something I treasure greatly and I’m very thankful that I now have my jacket and bag, which I can pass down to my children as a memento from a fantastic summer of sport.”

Janet Inman, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “Lincolnshire Sports Partnership was very disappointed to hear that a volunteer from our county had their belongings stolen at the London 2012 Games. Robin is a valued member of the sporting community in Lincolnshire; well known in his role as Director of Sport at the University of Lincoln, a fantastic supporter of cricket in the county and his work on the Lincolnshire Steering Group for the London 2012 Games has been outstanding. We saw this as a way to thank him for his hard work, commitment and dedication to sport in Lincolnshire.”

A LOCOG spokesman said: “LOCOG is delighted to have provided new Games uniform items for Mr Wright to replace those stolen, and to have worked with the Linconshire Sports Partnership to bring this unfortunate incident to a happy ending.

“While the uniforms were colourful and distinctive and came to represent the highest levels and quality of service that visitors to London and the UK experienced during the Games, it was the spirit of generosity, kindness and problem solving skills of the volunteers who filled the uniforms with such distinction that made London 2012 truly memorable for everyone.

“It is most pleasing therefore that Mr Wright now has a complete uniform to help remember his unique contribution to the London 2012 Games, along with all our other Games Makers, whose selfless service and determination to do something special for their city and country, and for the athletes and everyone at the Games continues to inspire us all.”

Find out more information about Lincolnshire Sports Partnership at www.lincolnshiresports.com.

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

Tags: