I was always intrigued to know how the polyclinic at The Eton Dorney site compared with that of the Stratford Village. This week I was given the opportunity to visit the Pharmacy based in the Athletes Village in Stratford and it surpassed my high expectations!

As I entered the village I was blown away by the enormity of the site. But it’s not until you explore the bright and colourful paths, sprawled with modern seating areas that you fully appreciate why it was so aptly named a Village. The main approach in the Village is lined with flagpoles, giving it a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. There are 11 tower blocks housing over 16 thousand athletes and officials. The Village also boasts a ‘Village Plaza’ where the athletes can socialise with friends and family. The flats provide inspirational views over the site.

I was lucky enough to watch a ‘Team Welcome Ceremony’; these usually take place before the Opening Ceremony of the Games. It lasted about twenty five minutes and is a formal welcome to the athletes. The ceremony involves raising the countries home flag and playing their national anthem, which for some countries might be the only time they hear it. In addition to this The National Youth Theatre staged and performed the Team Welcome Ceremony. I’ve never seen anything like this before and was amazed at how interactive it was. It featured fantastic vocals, superb costumes and synchronised choreography. This wonderful display was conducted with The Truce Wall as a backdrop. The Olympic Truce Wall was first introduced at the 2000 Sydney Games to promote peace through sport. Athletes and officials are invited to sign the wall to symbolise their support. The wall features images and statements from St John’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Gravesend, Kent.

There are also restaurants, leisure areas and a state of the art Polyclinic on site. The polyclinic is an impressive building housing a pharmacy, Optician, Dentist, Physiotherapy Nurses, Sports Massage, Sports Doctors and Radiologists. The light floods in from the numerous glass windows making the pharmacy as well as the Polyclinic bright and airy. Whilst I was there it was getting increasingly busy and had six pharmacists on duty per shift!

Before I left, I turned around to have one last look at this stunning site. The Village never ceases to overwhelm.

A world class venue with state of the art facilities. What more could any athlete want?