Olympics 2012: Restaurant workers selected to be in champion crew (From Dorset Echo)

Olympics 2012: Restaurant workers selected to be in champion crew

5:30pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Local News

CREW: From left, Charlotte Collett, Hannah Christopher, Stefenee Grove and Tom Cheeseman

FOUR restaurant workers from Weymouth and Dorchester have been selected to represent their company at the London 2012 Games.

Charlotte Collett, Hannah Christopher, Stefenee Grove and Tom Cheeseman were chosen from more than 87,000 McDonald’s staff across the country to be part of the Olympic Champion Crew.

They will be among a 2,000-strong squad serving visitors and athletes from across the globe at the four temporary McDonald’s restaurants in and around the main Olympic venue in London.

The champion crew were chosen following a rigorous test of their speed, customer service and ability to work as part of a team – all essential skills to deliver the ultimate customer experience during the home Games.

As well as working at the Games they’ll also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of London 2012, see at least one Olympic or Paralympic event, go to cultural events and socialise with fellow McDonald’s crew members from across the UK and the world.

Former Thomas Hardye student Hannah, aged 18, said: “I was really happy when I found out I had been chosen to work at the Games, it’s a dream come true.

“My parents are very proud of me as it’s a great achievement.

“I’m really looking forward to the gymnastics and sprinting – to see one of those at the Olympic Games would be fantastic.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge keeping up with the volume of customers, but I am excited to be working with so many people from the different McDonald’s stores and of course maybe meeting the odd athlete.”

Last year 12,000 staff from McDonald’s restaurants across the UK were involved in more than 100 ‘Super Team’ events to select the 2,000 Champion Crew needed for the Games.

Staff were shortlisted from more than 87,500 who work for McDonald’s in the UK after being nominated by their restaurant managers throughout 2011.

Local McDonald’s franchisee, Nick Maybour said: “I’m delighted that staff from across Dorset have been chosen to take part in this fantastic opportunity.

“Every month we have a crewmember of the month and they went through to the super team competition, where two members from each restaurant in Weymouth and Dorchester were selected.

“They’ll be getting put up in a five star hotel in London, given a smart phone and a ticket for an event.”

He added: “McDonald’s was looking for its very best people. They will have to step up their performance to meet the challenges of the Games.

“They’ll need to deliver the best possible customer service at a time when the world’s eyes will be on Great Britain – a challenge I’m sure the Dorset team will more than rise to.”