2,000 people take part in London 2012 test event
Two thousand people have taken part in the biggest exercise so far to test plans for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Two thousand people across the country have taken part in the biggest exercise so far to test plans for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The first ‘command post exercise’ simulated a number of incidents, such as excessively hot weather and long queues at venues, that could impact on the smooth running of the Games, and tested how different agencies would work together to deal with them.
The exercise replicated days five to seven of the Games where 27 sports will be taking place across more than 30 venues, including the cycling time trials, slalom canoeing and beach volleyball.
Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, said: “London’s Olympics and Paralympic Games will be the biggest peacetime logistical operation this country has ever handled. We are confident that we have effective plans in place to deliver a safe and successful Olympic Games, but it is essential that we thoroughly test these arrangements. This week’s exercise looked at how we would deal with some low-level incidents that could have a big effect on people’s experience of the Games.”
The ‘command post exercise’ was held from 21 to 23 September and involved the Games organisers, Government, police, fire and rescue service, ambulance service, local councils, health providers and transport operators. It looked at the effectiveness, resilience and decision-making capability of key Games-time command and control structures and processes. Those included communication between the Games organisers, the Government and other partners, as well as communication with the media, the general public and operational staff. It was the biggest so far in a series of exercises with more to follow over the next 8 months.
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