Special Olympic success

St John Ambulance and British Red Cross treating a patient at the 2009 Special Olympics

With the Special Olympics 2009 now over, St John Ambulance, Leicestershire and Rutland is still celebrating after a successful week of first aid support.

Closing ceremony

With the weather holding, the closing ceremony event provided the perfect close to what can only be described as a special and truly unique week.

First aid support

the majority of our 600 patients were able to remain at their event.

Peter Williams
Closing ceremony duty officer, and Event Control Officer

Peter Williams, Event Control Officer said: 'Given the number of athletes taking part, the events, and the number of staff and spectators. It's surprising how few people required hospital treatment.' 

'Infact, only 29 patients required transport off site for further treatment at hospital, with the majority of our 600 patients being able to remain at their event and continue to achieve their goals.'

TeamworkSpecial Olympics 2009

With an event of this size (21 venues across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland) teamwork was important.

We helped to provide:

  • in excess of 3,000 hours voluntary service
  • over 80 volunteers across the venues
  • 4 ambulances, logistics and minibus services
  • control room running from as early as 8am to as late as 10pm.

Not to be left out, our Cadets were also able to make the most of their school holiday's, giving up their time to attend events including athletics, swimming and judo and were able to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the unique feel the olympics brought to the city.

Join us

Has reading this inspiried you? Would you like to volunteer your services and join us? If you would then you can contact us.