Norfolk Christian physiotherapist Collins Ogbeivor was right at the centre of the action in the Olympic Stadium during the two weeks of the London 2012 Olympics after he was offered a role as a volunteer physiotherapist on the official medical team – he even got to meet Usain Bolt. Keith Morris reports.
Collins said his most memorable moment was meeting 100m gold medal winner Usain Bolt just minutes after he sprinted to the Olympic title. “Meeting Usain – the fastest man on earth – was a great privilege and honour. We were at the training pitch looking after the athletes and after Usain won the 100 metres he went back to the pitch to cool down. As he was walking along where I was, I said hello. He was polite and friendly and happy to have a photo with me.”
“Volunteering at London 2012 was the most amazing experience,” said Collins. “The commitment and dedication to attend the events was worth all the effort. The atmosphere was electrifying and fully of positive energy. We all had team spirit, and everyone wanted to make the event successful. The athletics that we treated appreciated the physiotherapy service as they felt were looked after and had fun. Thank God, I was part of this great moment in history. “
Collins was formerly Head of Physiotherapy at All Hallows Hospital in Ditchingham where he worked with a wide range of day and resident patients to aid their recoveries. He is now employed by the Lincolnshire Intermediate Musculoskeletal Services as a specialist physiotherapist.
He is well qualified for his Olympic role, both as an experienced physiotherapist, but also because he has played similar roles in the first-ever Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad in India in 2004 and also at the All Africa Games in 2003, when he was living in Nigeria.
To gain a place on the Games Maker team, Collins had to go through a rigorous interview and selection procedure along with 250,000 others.
“It is a once-in-lifetime opportunity to be part of history because of the significance of the Games,” said Collins. ”I am very honoured to have been chosen.”“I believe that the Olympics will leave a huge social legacy and I wanted to be a part of that and help inspire people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to take part. I also hope that it will benefit my work here at All Hallows.”
Collins was based at the main Olympic Stadium in Stratford and at the nearby Mayesbrook Park Arena and Newham Sports Complex.
Clair Westwood-Deamer, Chief Executive of All Hallows Healthcare Trust, said: “We are extremely proud of Collins for being invited to be part of the expert team at the Olympic Games. I am sure his expertise will be of great assistance in bringing about the smooth operation of the event.
“The role is a recognition for his passion, enthusiasm and commitment to help make the Games happen.”
Collins is part of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Thorpe St Andrews in Norwich and he helps run a Christian prayer group.
“My Christian faith helps me in my work,” said Collins. “It helps me to have empathy and compassion for my patients and show them patience and kindness.”
Pictured top is Collins with Usain Bolt and above during his time at All Hallows.
Published:
23/08/2012
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