Lisa Barrett, of Vistry Group, worked eight shifts in Coventry during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with other hardworking volunteers to point sports stars and crowds to key destination points and ensure the smooth running of events.
PA Lisa, from Bulkington near Bedworth, said meeting a trio of Sri Lanka rugby sevens players was among the highlights as was welcoming visitors to the city. She is now meeting and greeting spectators at Birmingham Airport and directing them to the youth games.
The Coventry Ambassador team leader said: “Coventry is my hometown and the buzz you feel seeing the crowds, and energy, is incredible – it’s like nothing else. I think it puts the Midlands on the map again. It’s just so nice meeting and greeting the public and being that friendly face when they arrive or need showing where to go.
“It has just been a brilliant time, one of those big lifetime events. Not only have I spoken to people from the West Midlands but people from all over the world and everyone is just so friendly and grateful – and so passionate about sport! It was a joy to meet the Sri Lankan players who needed help making a call to one of their team! They were absolutely lovely and we enjoyed a group photo together!”
There were crowds of more than 30,000 attending rugby sevens matches alone and Lisa’s team would support with wayfinding, answering questions, logistics and general safety.
Lisa (pictured above, centre) added she has always volunteered in various roles and loved contributing to the community. She was a Coventry volunteer at the London Olympics 2012 and, after Coventry Ambassadors was formed, travelled to Japan to help train helpers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She was also a team leader during Coventry’s UK City of Culture programme last year. She said those with flexible employers should find ways to volunteer.
“Ten years ago, I would never have dreamt I would have done the things I have through volunteering,” Lisa said. “The people and places I’ve seen – from that initial application form to now – have just been unbelievable and I would recommend it to anyone who can spare the time and has a good employer. It’s so important to ask and take up any volunteer days your employer is offering.”
Lisa joined Bovis Homes – now part of Vistry – in 2014 and added Vistry’s encouragement to volunteer had a positive effect on the business by allowing staff to gain new skills and network.
Vistry offers staff two days of paid leave to undertake volunteering activities, whether fundraising, taking part in community sessions or supporting wildlife and the environment.
The International Children's Games 2022, hosted in Coventry, ends on Tuesday (16th August).