Well this week has been a busy one for myself, and here is why…
Monday I had to drive to London for coverage of the AIRCOM volleyball competition which puts the Belgium, Dutch, German, Polish, USA, and Brittish Air Forces against each other in a 3 day tournament.
After a training session, which i used to get my photographers eye in, we had a meeting and set our self up for a 0230 departure to Holland, only a mere 10 hour drive. This was a tough slog, but i felt more for the team members as they were due to play a game that evening. I had to merely photograph the opening ceremony, and the games that both the teams played in.
We ended up back at the accommodation at 2200hrs that night a very long day indeed.
Wednesday was the busiest of the lot which showed 3 games each through out the day. By this part I had started to have an appreciation for the level of energy needed to compete at these levels. It was a fast quick sport and at times i found my self losing the action through the lens.
The last day of the tournament had The RAF teams play against the Belgium teams in their play off for final position. After my duty had come to an end for the time, i got chance to watch the 2 finals, USA women vs Polish Women and German Men vs Polish Men. The overall winners were USA women and Germany Men.
This gave way to the closing ceremony, an hour of pomp and ceremony with a marching band and all competitors stood to attention. After this there was the formal dinner. Best uniform from all 6 countries were in abundance along with civil servants and other hanger ons, including my self.
Friday was a tough day, after setting off from Holland at 0900 and walking through my front door at 2320. Constantly on the move.
The past week i have enjoyed and look forward to being invited to the next AIRCOM in 2016. The images from the tournament will be available through the RAF Sports Magazine ACTIVE, RAF News and hopefully other places.
Chris