London 2012 inspired cyclist John Wheat to volunteering success

London 2012 inspired cyclist John Wheat to volunteering success

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49-year-old John Wheat from Newport has always been a keen cyclist but the opportunity to get involved as a Welsh Cycling volunteer helped him take his passion to a new level.

In 2012, with excitement building ahead of the London Olympics, John took on the challenge of launching the Newport Social Cycling Club, as part of a nation-wide initiative. Goskyride was developed with the aim of encouraging more people local communities to get on their bikes and improve their health and wellbeing. 

With the Wales National Velodrome on his doorstep, John also got the chance to work behind the scenes with Team GB and Paralympics GB cyclists as they completed their final preparations in Newport in the run up to the Rio Games, carrying out a number of volunteering roles at the Velodrome. Since then, he has continued to run Newport Social Cycling Club, as well as volunteer at a number of cycling events across south Wales such as Velothon Wales, in between shifts at his part-time job.

John’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication to grassroots cycling did not go unrecognised and, in 2013, he was awarded the title of ‘Unsung Hero’ by British Cycling and Goskyride for the Wales and South West region - beating off stiff competition from 24 finalists. In the same year, John was crowned ‘Cycling Innovation’ winner in the USN Welsh Cycling Awards.

“I’ve always loved volunteering; there’s nothing quite like the buzz you get after helping someone out,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my volunteering, but it goes without saying that being able to get up-close to the athletes training in the Team GB and Paralympics GB camps ahead of the Rio Olympic Games has been by far my top volunteering highlight.”

John’s support and assistance at the recent Rio 2016 training camp saw him formally thanked by Team GB with a jersey signed by the cyclists and a signed GB cap from Paralympics GB, which now holds pride of place in his home. In addition to the health benefits of getting involved in such an active sport, he also says that volunteering has helped him in lots of other ways.

“Most people think of volunteering as helping people other than yourself, which is true, but it’s also had a number of benefits on my own life.  By running the Newport Social Cycling Group, I’ve been able to develop my leadership and organisational skills and apply them to other areas of my day-to-day life.  Also, in the four short years that I’ve helped out with Welsh Cycling, I’ve had the chance to meet so many interesting people, from all walks of life, many of whom I know will be lifelong friends.” John is also a first responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service, and has been so for nine years.

For more information on how you can get involved in volunteering, click here.