Energy firm celebrates its golden Olympics connection with Katherine Grainger

The firm, which has a regional office in Southdownview Road, Worthing, released a number of employees as Games Maker volunteers to assist during the event.

As revealed in the Herald, gold medallist Katherine Grainger’s visit to West Sussex gave a great boost to its employees.

Around 240 staff across its offices taking part in the Games.

The 36-year-old rower works with the energy firm on a range of initiatives as one of six Olympic and Paralympic UK members of Team EDF, including Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds.

Katherine said: “I’ve worked closely with the company for a number of years now and as a member of Team EDF, I know about their commitment to bringing the games to their customers and employees.

“The reception I received from everyone in Hove and Worthing was just fantastic.

“It was lovely to chat to people and get their perspective on the games.

“Games Maker volunteers like those at EDF really made the Olympics what they were – an incredible celebration of sport that could only happen on a foundation of common sense, great organisational skills and the wonderful humour and good nature of the volunteers.”

Gareth Wynn, EDF 2012 group director, welcomed the involvement of the company.

He said it was a great privilege to have witnessed the development of the games from the very start of London 2012’s announcement.

“Like the rest of the nation, we’re thrilled that Katherine has the gold medal she so richly deserves.

“EDF Energy has worked with Katherine for a number of years now, and she’s taken time to meet our employees and get involved in initiatives like the EDF Community Rowing Challenge, to show youngsters just how brilliant and life-changing sport can be.

“In Hove and Worthing we’ve got Games Maker volunteers and some local torchbearers who were nominated for their incredible achievements.

“I want to say thank you to them for their efforts in helping make these games so special.”

Mr Wynn added that it had been a genuine success in allowing the company to engage with the community and explain a number of its initiatives to the public.

The company was also able to project a “moodometer” on to the London Eye, which monitored Twitter to see how positive the nation felt about the games – which revealed overwhelmingly positive results.