Firslty, thank you! To all those who played their part in making this Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games delivery such a great success! Without each individuals contribution, these events simply would not have happened.
And what an adventure and privelege it has been to be part of the worlds largest event team here in Rio de Janeiro. From the emotional closing ceremony to the constant stream of derigs, bump outs and departures, it has been a busy three weeks closing the project. Last week saw the final shipment of my equipment leave Brasil and my last team member departed on Sunday. For me, being the first one here and the last to leave is always a bittersweet experience, however it does bookend the project very nicely.
The journey here saw us all deliver the games in an extremely tough environment. It was the perfect storm and we had many doubters commenting from the sidelines, as is the case with every games project, saying it would not happen. But once again, the games community pulled together and proved them wrong! And that is something everyone involved can walk away with proudly, heads held high.
I remember meeting all the Technlogy Managers at the start of the “last lap” and specifically recall one manager being very concerned about her venue not being finished on time. And to be honest this venue had suffered a lot of delays and setbacks, however, I knew with all certanity that it would be ready, and it was. How did I know? Well I don’t have a crystal ball, but I know based on my experience that this project brings together not only the worlds best athletes, but also the worlds best in event delivery. And to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games happen on time and for the world to enjoy, it is simply the alignment of that one goal. This focus and commitmment by so many has seen the insurmountable acheived time and time again for each and every games.
And fortunatley for me, my journey with Rio and Brasil does not end, as I finish the project with my beautiful Brazilian wife and our soon to arrive Carioca daughter. I feel very blessed to be forever linked to this amazing and wonderful country.
Thank you all again and I am now going to enjoy a few days off in preparation for what’s next!
Photo Credit: Cynthia Armendiaz