Broadstreet RFC

The deadline to register as a volunteer for London 2012 is fast-approaching and the race is on for Coventry and Warwickshire residents to avoid missing out.

London 2012 will need up to 70,000 Games Maker volunteers to make sure the Olympic and Paralympic Games are a success - and anyone in the region could be one of them.

The deadline to register is midnight on Wednesday, October 27 and the organisation responsible for London 2012 activity in the area is encouraging people to sign up before it is too late.

Tom Clift, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership manager for the 2012 Games, said: “The difference between a good and a great Olympic Games in 2012 will come down to the role volunteers play in welcoming the world to London and venues and cities across the UK.

“As an Olympic Host City outside of London, Coventry has a unique role to play in ensuring the 2012 Games are a great success and we would encourage everyone to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We also know some people began the online application process with the intention of finishing it at a later date and we would urge those people to complete their application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

“2012 will be a momentous year for Coventry and what better way to be part of a home Olympic Games than to be an official Games Maker volunteer.”

The role of Games Maker volunteers will be to carry out a range of essential tasks that form part of the operations during Games time. These are split into two groups, specialist and generalist.

Specialist volunteers have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role – for example, sport or medical training or an ability to speak a language.

Generalist volunteers do not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive full training. They might be given roles in areas such as event services, uniform distribution and ticketing services.

As with previous Games there are a number of criteria which have to be met. Applicants must be 18 or older by January 1, 2012 and be able to volunteer for 10 days during the Games. They must also attend three training sessions and be eligible to volunteer in the UK.

Although travel costs outside of London and accommodation must be catered for at the expense of the volunteer, every Games Maker will receive meals during shifts, official uniforms and memorabilia.

The official volunteering application process can be made through the London 2012 website: www.london2012.com/volunteering.

For more information about how to get involved in London 2012 activity across Coventry and Warwickshire visit: www.cswp.org.uk/london2012.