London 2012 launches Young Games Maker programme
The London 2012 Organising Committee Games (LOCOG) has announced details of the Young Games Maker programme, a drive to find more than 2,000 young volunteers from around the UK to help out during next summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Young people from around the UK took part in the pilot Young Games Maker programme at the London 2012 Volleyball test event at Earl’s Court.
Around 250 teams of young people aged between 16 and 18 will join the adult Games Makers, making a total of up to 70,000 dedicated volunteers on hand to help stage London 2012.
The teams of young people will vary in size between two and 10 people, depending on the role.
The team approach will ensure the young people are able to focus on their roles and have a great experience during the Games, and that LOCOG is best able to fulfill its duty of care commitments to the young people involved.
Recruitment of Young Games Makers for ‘specialist’ roles, such as ball boys and girls, will be through the national governing body of the relevant sport, with the process starting from 25 July 2011.
Applications for the more numerous ‘generalist’ roles, such as carrying athletes’ kit, will be made through the London 2012 website from 22 September – 13 October 2011. These roles must be applied for by team leaders from recognised organisations, such as sports clubs and schools that are part of the London 2012 Get Set network.
LOCOG HR Director Jean Tomlin explained: ‘The Young Games Maker programme is incredibly exciting as it has allowed us to identify a dedicated offering of roles which will allow us to harness young people’s enthusiasm for London 2012 and guarantee 16-18 year olds will have the chance to play their part in the greatest sporting event on earth.’
LOCOG is working with a range of organisations, including REACH and Action for Blind People, to encourage applications from the broadest audience possible.
Find out more about the Young Games Maker programme
