Last call for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic volunteers

Sarah Gosling (nee Webb)on the Games Maker volunteer program

Applications are open until 27 October 2010 for the London 2012 Games Maker volunteer programme and as an Olympian who has competed in two Olympic Games, I am encouraging readers of TheDailySail to consider lending their time to make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions a success.

The 70,000 Games Maker volunteers will literally make the 2012 Games happen for the thousands of athletes from around the world who will be competing in the UK in less than two years time. Did you know that the sailing competitions in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset need up to 700 volunteers?

You have until midnight on Wednesday 27 October 2010 to put forward your application to be a Games Maker sailing volunteer. The success of the Games will depend on the Games Maker team. Whether checking accreditation, managing the media or assisting on the water as a Sport Specific volunteer perhaps as a boat driver or recording information, you will be right at the heart of the action, welcoming the whole world and representing the very best of the UK’s sailing community.

Being a Games Maker will be challenging but the rewards are life-long. London 2012 want the best team players to apply, people who show the same qualities as us sailors - dedication, focus, grace under pressure, adaptability, responsibility and pride in their endeavours.

As Olympian, I have always noticed the pride the volunteers take in helping athletes and coaches with all the small details of living and competing away from home. It is really important if you are preparing to go out and perform at your best that you are free to concentrate and focus on giving your best. The volunteer team helps makes that possible through the transport they sort out, the help they offer at the Athlete’s Village and behind the scenes at the sporting venues.

It is through this assistance that Games Makers will help make history happen in the summer of 2012. Other reasons to get involved? How about having a ten day experience, like no other to come to the UK in our lifetime? What about working along-side other volunteers at the greatest show on earth? And how about gaining new skills and knowledge?

So, if you think you’ve got what it takes to make the 2012 Games truly great, I’d urge you to visit www.london2012.com/volunteering, work out where you might make the biggest difference and apply!

I would like to thank everyone that does take the time to apply, it is only through those who do get involved and give their personal best that London 2012 will be a success for everyone. Good luck and go for it!