Relentless North West 200 chief marshal Cathal Cunning is set to swap his road racing management role for a new challenge, after being given a conditional offer to become a London 2012 Games Maker at next year’s Olympic Games in London.

Cathal, from Portstewart, has over 20 years experience in marshalling at the North West 200  and will be looking to put his sports management  skills and expertise to good use as part of  the London 2012 Transport Team, subject to him completing the necessary background security checks.

Cathal, whose day job sees him cooking up a storm as Head Chef for a local North Coast hotel, night club and restaurant complex, has been selected from hundreds of applicants in Northern Ireland and aims to join around 70,000 volunteers in London next summer helping to support London 2012 organisers and ensuring all aspects of the games run smoothly.

Looking forward to his new challenge Cathal said, “I’m really excited that I’m set to be part of such a huge sporting spectacular which attracts the cream of athletes from all over the world. A major part of the role in the transport department will be to ensure athletes, coaches or Games officials are in the right place at the right time. Pre-Games training will include swotting up on my knowledge of key transport routes in and around the Olympic Villages and competition venues. We are also expected to work round the clock come rain, hail or shine – so all my North West 200 experience will definitely help!

“Until I take up my volunteer position I won’t know what teams or athletes I may be chauffeuring , but you never know, I may be accompanying legends such as Jamaican sprinter Hussein Bolt, young diver Tom Daley, South African ‘bladerunner’ Oscar Pistorius or British distance runner Mo Farah! Here’s hoping anyhow!”

Congratulating Cathal on his volunteering achievement NW200 technical director Mervyn Whyte MBE said, “Myself and the NW200 management team are thrilled that Cathal’s experience has been recognised and I’m sure that he will bring back new knowledge and ideas which will help enhance the North West 200 in 2013.  Working at the Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we’re very proud that our North West chief marshal will be among the many volunteers involved at London 2012.”

The Relentless North West 200 takes place on Saturday 19th May 2012. For up to date event information visit www.northwest200.org.

Relentless NW200 Chief Marshal, Cathal Cunning (left) is on track for his volunteering role within the transport team at London 2012. Pictured with Cathal is NW200 technical director Mervyn Whyte.