Cathal Cunning and Mervyn White - Photo Credit: North West 200
The Relentless International North West 200's chief marshal Cathal Cunning will bring his expertise to next year's Olympic Games in London after being given a conditional offer to become a Games Maker at the event.
Should he complete the necessary background security checks, Cunning will join around 70,000 volunteers looking to make sure the Games run smoothly. Cathal, from Portstewart, will be part of the London 2012 Transport team and can't wait to be a part of the year's biggest sporting extravaganza.
“I'm really excited that I'm set to be part of such a huge sporting spectacular which attracts the cream of athletes from all over the world. A major part of the role in the transport department will be to ensure athletes, coaches or Games officials are in the right place at the right time. Pre-Games training will include swotting up on my knowledge of key transport routes in and around the Olympic Villages and competition venues. We are also expected to work round the clock come rain, hail or shine – so all my North West 200 experience will definitely help!”
“Until I take up my volunteer position I won't know what teams or athletes I may be chauffeuring, but you never know, I may be accompanying legends such as Jamaican sprinter Hussein Bolt, young diver Tom Daley, South African 'bladerunner' Oscar Pistorius or British distance runner Mo Farah! Here's hoping anyhow!”
North West 200 technical director Mervyn White MBE has welcomed the news and is hopeful Cathal's experience at the Olympics will benefit the Coleraine road racing event in years to come.
“Myself and the NW200 management team are thrilled that Cathal's experience has been recognised and I'm sure that he will bring back new knowledge and ideas which will help enhance the North West 200 in 2013. Working at the Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we're very proud that our North West chief marshal will be among the many volunteers involved at London 2012.”
Race day at the 2012 North West 200 is scheduled for Saturday 19th May while the 2012 Olympic Games will run from July 27th to August 12th. The Paralympics will start on 29th of August before finishing on September 9th.
