The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will launch their Volunteer Programme this summer. Volunteering at the London 2012 Games will be a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for members of the canoeing community.
LOCOG will recruit volunteers from across the UK from a range of communities and backgrounds. The selection process will be transparent, open and fair. Should you be selected as a Games delivery volunteer, you will be at the heart of the Games, part of 70,000 strong team, representing the UK and delivering services that are essential for a successful and inspirational event. You will have the opportunity to use and develop your skills and play a key role in one of the largest and most unforgettable events ever to be held in the UK.
Volunteer Roles
Up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed to help put on a truly spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be two kinds of Games delivery volunteer – specialist and generalist.
Specialist volunteers will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role – for example, sport or medical training.
Generalist volunteers will not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive all the necessary training. They might be given roles in areas such as spectator services, Olympic and Paralympic Village operations or uniform distribution.
Who can volunteer?
LOCOG aims to recruit volunteers who will bring passion, enthusiasm and energy to the Games and who meet the following critiera:
– 18 years old by 1st January 2012;
– available to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days at either, or both, of the Games;
– able to attend a minimum of three training sessions prior to the Games;
– agree to, and pass, certain security and background check;
– be eligible to volunteer in the UK according to UK immigration laws.
In other words have the right to live and work permanently in the UK;
or hold a valid passport or identity card from an country in the European Economic Area;
or be in the UK or coming to the UK to work in accordance with the UK Points Based system;
or be in the UK for another reason to remain in the UK that allows you to work as a volunteer;
or be providing specialist sports specific skills at the Games or have extensive previous Games experience and can meet the requirements for a sports visitor visa.
Why volunteer?
The main benefit of volunteering is the chance to play an integral role in one of the most exciting events ever seen in the UK. The Games will provide a unique and inspirational setting for volunteers to gain experience and develop their skills.
Please note that:
– London 2012 will provide volunteers with free meals during their shifts;
– Each volunteer will be given an official uniform to wear and will have the opportunity to keep their uniform as a souvenir of their experience and contribution to the Games;
– Volunteer travel arrangements are still being planned. Details of these will follow shortly;
– Accommodation will not be provided.
Key dates of the Volunteer Recruitment process
Summer 2010 London 2012’s official Volunteer Programme launches. All applicants will be required to complete an application form.
November 2012 LOCOG will commence inviting short-listed applicants to a selection event.
January 2011 – February 2012 Selection events take place.
28th – 31st July 2011 (provisional) Test event for Canoe Slalom
1st – 4th September 2011 (provisional) Test event for Canoe Sprint
October 2011 Offers will begin to be sent out to successful applicants.
February 2012 Orientation training takes place.
March 2012 Role-specific training begins.
June 2012 Venue training begins.
29th July – 1st August 2012 (provisional) London 2012 Canoe Slalom
6th – 11th August 2012 (provisional) London 2012 Canoe Sprint
How to apply
The London 2012 online application process for volunteers is expected to commence in the summer of 2010. Further information will be available at this time.
John MacLeod
Canoe Manager
Sports Department
Direct line: +44 (0) 203 2012 305
LOCOG
One Churchill Place
Canary Wharf
London E14 5LN