London 2012 Invites the UK to Apply to Games Maker Volunteer Programme

The London 2012 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is calling on dedicated and passionate people to apply to its London 2012 Games Maker volunteering programme and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The success of the London 2012 Games will depend on a diverse group of up to 70,000 dedicated and brilliant volunteers. Two thirds of the total number of roles are generalist volunteer positions which include welcome desk staff, ticket checkers, costume assistants, drivers and event stewards.

Applications for generalist roles open at 8am on 15 September 2010. Having carefully considered over the summer whether volunteering for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is for them, people now have until midnight on Wednesday 27 October 2010 to apply on line at www.london2012.com/volunteering.

The London 2012 Games Maker volunteer programme launched on 27 July 2010 with dedicated web pages explaining the difference between the specialist and generalist volunteer roles, full details on what London 2012 is looking for and when from the team of Games Makers.

Specialist sports, medical, press operations and anti-doping volunteers have been applying since 27 July and 8,000 applications have been received to date – close to half of the number of specialists required.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: “Volunteering with us will be challenging but the rewards are life-long as our London 2012 Games Makers will literally make history happen. We want the best team players in the UK to apply, people who show the same qualities as our athletes including dedication, focus and grace under pressure.

“Whatever your role, you will help welcome the world and show what the UK has to offer. If you have what it takes to be a London Games Maker, apply now!”

London 2012 Games Makers will need to be available to volunteer for a minimum of ten days during either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games and for at least three days of training, which will be led and provided by the London 2012 Organizing Committee.

All those applying from 15 September 2010 will need to be 18 years of age or over on 1 January 2012. LOCOG is especially keen to recruit people with a disability to volunteer for the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games and will support candidates with a disability through application, selection and as well as at Games-time.

The Young Games Maker programme for up to 1,500 volunteer roles for young people under the age of 18 will be unveiled in July 2011.