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Volunteering at the London 2012 Games

Every big sporting event relies on an army of volunteers to make them happen, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is no exception. But its not just at the Olympic venues where you can help out.

Recruiting volunteers for the London 2012 Games has already started, and if you were hoping to be trackside or volunteering within an Olympic venue then you are too late to apply. The London Ambassadors programme, which is looking for people to welcome people to the city, has also finished recruiting; although some local boroughs may run their own programmes.

Other ways to be involved

If you would like to get involved now, however, volunteers are also needed in the lead up to the Games. There are several schemes up and running already. The Trailblazers programme, for example, relies on volunteers to help out with admin duties at the Games offices in Canary Wharf. Working in the hub of the organising committee (LOCOG) not only gives you a chance to be part of the build up towards the Games, it will also look great on your CV.

If the great outdoors is more your thing, getting involved in the Changing Places programme is a great way to offer support. It's a scheme that encourages volunteers to get stuck into transforming areas around east London and host boroughs. This could be anything from painting over graffiti to cutting back overgrown hedges.

Outside the capital, there's an opportunity for young people to make a difference in their community through the Young Leaders programme. It's aimed specifically at young people who want to undertake an intensive 18-month personal development programme. There are schemes happening in Aberdeen, Hull, Canary Wharf and Sudbury-on-Thames.

The safe passage of the Olympic torch also relies heavily on volunteers. Making its way from Greece to the Games venue to light the Olympic flame, it will travel around the UK for several weeks before the start of the Games. As well as participants needed to run with the torch, volunteer stewards and organisers will be required to make the torch relay a success.

Games inspired

It's not just events linked to the Games that will require volunteers, however. It's one of the legacy aspirations of the Games to encourage more people to get involved in their local community, so some organisations and events are being recognised as 'inspired by the Games' through the Inspire programme.

Choose your sport

As well as searching the Do-it database for volunteering roles, you can contact a local club or governing body to find out what's available. Even if you don't have previous experience or knowledge of the particular sport, there should still be opportunities for you to get involved.

Links to the governing bodies (either for England or the UK) for the Olympic sports are listed below: