After seven days of outstanding sporting achievements, the Special Olympics National Summer Games, sponsored by National Grid, have closed.

More than 1,500 volunteers from schools, youth clubs, the police, health and education authorities and National Grid, nicknamed Team Orange thanks to their vibrant volunteer shirts, supported the Games.

The volunteers lent their time, skills and enthusiasm to a whole raft of activities, including torch running, medal presentations, photography, sport liaison, running a gas safety stand, caddying, cauldron lighting and mini bus driving.

National Grid’s Claire Ell, Project Coordinator for Gas Distribution, kicked off the week by taking part in the final leg of the Torch Run, running from Hinckley to Leicester.

After catching her breath, Claire said: “It was brilliant. I trained hard so I could keep up with the eight-minute mile pace that we’d been set. But that was nothing compared to the commitment of the athletes. I was very proud to be part of it all, and wouldn’t hesitate to participate again.”

Thanks to National Grid’s Procurement department, Ford agreed to loan the team two minibuses needed for the Torch Run and Games.

Dave Henderson, Logistics Manager at National Grid, was designated driver for the week. Dave said: “I was driving the volunteer minibus and also helping out in the medal presentation tent, responsible for taking the athletes, medal bearers and their medals from the tent to the rostrum.

“The best part of the week was feeling the excitement generated by all the athletes, whether coming first or last in their event.”

Irene Shepherd, Data Management Assistant at National Grid, was part of the event support team, co-ordinating everything from accommodation to uniforms. During the Games, she was part of the awards presentation team for athletics.

“It was hectic, exhausting but just so rewarding and emotional,” said Irene. “I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time. I’ve been asked to sum up the week but can’t find the words. It was more of a very profound feeling which will remain with me forever.”

The team at the Gas Safety stand not only communicated the vital gas safety message out to members of the public, but also sold copies of National Grid’s Inclusion & Diversity cookery book, which features a selection of recipes reflecting employees’ roots and heritage. The sales raised much-needed extra funds for Special Olympics Great Britain.

A short film clip capturing all the main action throughout the week is available to watch.