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London 2012 Olympics: volunteer guide
Read Telegraph Sport's guide to volunteering at the London 2012 Olympics.
How many volunteers are needed?
London 2012 Olympic Games organisers are looking for 70,000 volunteers – which they have relabelled Games Makers. Interested persons have to be committed to volunteering a minimum of 10 days at either the Olympics or Paralympics or both.
What criteria do volunteers need to satisfy?
Volunteers have to be able to attend a minimum of three training sessions and bear the costs of accommodation themselves. They also have to be eligible to volunteer in the UK and agree to undergo security background checks. Specialist volunteers are used in the medical and anti doping areas and technical aspects of the sports.
What can volunteers expect to do?
General volunteers might be allocated a role varying from driving, uniform distribution, to checking tickets, greeting people at airports, or distributing results sheets.
How old do volunteers need to be?
Applicants must be aged 18 or over at 1 January 2012, although 1,500 junior volunteers will also be recruited. The volunteer program will be launched on September 15. 2010.
Any other way to help?
The Mayor of London is also seeking a separate group of 8,000 volunteers to be London Ambassadors at 35 city sites for the 52 day period from the Olympics to the Paralympics and in between. Volunteers for this programme must be aged 16 or over. They will receive a uniform, a food and drink voucher for each shift and free travel in zones 1-6.
Where can I sign up?
- Key volunteering dates
July 27 2010 The Mayor's London Ambassador programme for 8,000 city guides is launched.
September 2010 The official London 2012 Volunteer Programme is launched. All applicants will be required to complete an application form.
November 2010 Shortlisted applicants invited to a selection event.
January 2011 2012 Selection events take place to interview all shortlisted applicants.
October 2011 Offers sent to successful applicants.
February 2012 Orientation training takes place.
March 2012 Role-specific training begins.
April 2012 Distribution of uniforms and accreditation passes begins.
June 2012 Venue training begins.