Head Coach Audrey Cooper, Chief Fire Officer Jamie Courtney and Team Captain Lynne Beattie at the Training & Development CentreTeam GB’s Olympic Volleyball women have left their training centre at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue in Sheffield ahead of the Olympics.
With just days to go until the eyes of the world turn to London, the British volleyball players have moved to Loughborough for their final preparations after staying at the fire service’s training centre since April.
Chief Fire Officer Jamie Courtney wished them well as he addressed the players and coaching staff, who donated a framed GB volleyball shirt signed by all the players.
Mr Courtney said: “The players have been fantastic throughout their stay with us, and it’s also been an exciting time for our staff to see Olympic athletes around the training centre.
“We all wish them the very best of luck for the Olympics. They have certainly gained many supporters at the fire service and I know that we’ll be shouting them on here in South Yorkshire.
“We have some of the best facilities in the country at our training centre, and I hope this will help us generate vital income during these extremely challenging times.”
While staying at the base players took part in team building drills including a road traffic collision rescue exercise.
Vice-captain Maria Bertelli said: “South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has been absolutely fantastic, providing us with an environment that allows us to purely focus on performance at a really important time.
“In the weeks leading up to the Games it’s all about training and being able to prepare for matches. It’s a huge benefit to be together as a team.”
The team will play their first match this Saturday 28 July against Russia.
