Be a part of London 2012

Unless you've been living on the moon in recent years then you'll know that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to London in 2012. Now unless you're training to compete in the Games, and well if you are "Good Luck" but I wanted to let you know about the volunteer programme - 'Young Games Maker' that has been launched.

There is a wide range of roles on offer and these will be divided between Specialists and Generalists.

Specialists will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role: for example, doctors, doping control officers, and sports specialists. We have been working with organisations such as sport National Governing Bodies to help pre-identify applicants to be considered for specialist roles

Generalists will not need specialist skills or qualifications, but should bring passion and enthusiasm to the Games. They might be given roles from drivers and uniform distributors to ticket checking and airport welcome. All generalist volunteers will be given full training.

To be a Games Maker you need to;

• be available to volunteer a minimum of 10 days at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games, or a minimum of 20 days if you want to volunteer at both;
• attend a minimum of three training sessions (around 15 hours in total) before the Games;
• be eligible to volunteer in line with UK immigration rules;
• agree to undergo, and then pass, security background checks; and
• be 18 or over by 1 January 2012.

There will also be up to 1,500 roles will be available for under 18s through the London 2012 ‘Young Games Maker’ programme. This programme will be unveiled in summer 2011.

Other things to note about being a Games Maker:

• We will provide free meals during shifts.
• We will provide an official Games Maker uniform. This can be kept as a souvenir of the experience and contribution to the Games.
• Free travel will be provided on public transport to and from Games-time shifts. This will include travel within London zones 1-6; and between London and the venues at Eton Dorney, Lee Valley White Water Centre and Hadleigh Farm, Essex. We will also provide free transport to Games Makers with roles in Weymouth and the co-Host Cities for the Football competition: Manchester, Coventry, Cardiff, Newcastle and Glasgow.
• Accommodation will not be provided.

For more details, how to sign up and key dates of the recuitment process then click here

Also if you missed it, I interviewed Sophie Brown, one of the London 2012's Young Ambassador's here