On 1 September, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) visited Coventry to meet local residents and raise awareness of the London 2012 Games Maker volunteering programme.
In partnership with McDonald’s, the Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Games Maker programme and the Museums Libraries and Archives Council, the LOCOG Volunteering Team hosted an information event at the Walsgrove McDonald’s and then at the Central Library on Smithford Way.
Residents of Coventry interested in volunteering at the London 2012 Games were invited to meet the team, find out exactly what is involved and why they should apply, in advance of applications opening for generalist volunteer roles on 15 September 2010.
Vicky Hall, LOCOG Employee Engagement Manager said: “We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals from all over the UK to make the London 2012 Games, and we were delighted with the level of interest and enthusiasm shown by the people of Coventry.
“At this stage we want residents to think long and hard about whether they’ve got what it takes to be a volunteer, and we are sure that come 15 September we will see a good calibre of candidates coming forward to be part of this once in a lifetime event.”
Sarah McLean, Owner and Operator of McDonald's Walsgrove said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the London 2012 Games Maker programme and to have the opportunity to speak to the residents of Coventry on the commitment and team work involved in being part of London 2012 – both values we are proud to instil across all our staff. We are looking forward to playing a crucial role in this historic event and proud to bring our expertise to the forefront of this programme.”
The Coventry event was part of a UK wide tour to offer an opportunity for people to find out more about the London 2012 Games Maker programme in advance of applications opening to the public on 15 September. LOCOG seeks to attract, train and retain up to 70,000 dedicated and inspirational people from all over the UK, for a wide variety of volunteer roles at Games time. Roles include meet and greet at ports of entry, ceremonies costume assistants, spectator assistants, uniform distributors and ticket checking.
The event was also a great opportunity to raise the profile of other volunteering opportunities in the Coventry area.
Lindsey Wyke, West Midlands for 2012 Co-ordinator said: “Volunteering is just one way that people in the West Midlands can get involved with and experience London 2012 and we hope as many people as possible from our region decide they have what it takes to be a Games Maker.
“As well as signing up to be a Games Maker, people can get involved in volunteering right now in the West Midlands with a notice board of volunteering opportunities available on
www.wmfor2012.com/volunteering. "
For information on London 2012 Games Maker roles and the application process, please visit www.london2012.com/volunteering