Volunteering in sport

For some this opportunity could be a life changing event. I recall the Commonwealth Games that took place in Manchester in 2002. The organising committee recruited 10,000 volunteers between the ages of 16 and 87 and my running club, Stockport Harriers, provided many of them. I believe London are looking for 70,000! The volunteers at Manchester worked hard and put a lot of time into it but they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and added new skills to their CVs!

My dad was given the job of organising the drivers and cars for transporting athletes and VIPs to and from their accommodation, the airport, the station, the stadium and receptions. Although behind the scenes, his job was crucial to making sure everyone was where they should be at the right time. He was partly responsible for making sure the important occasions ran to time and he enjoyed working with like-minded people.

One of the endurance running coaches was given the job of chaperoning the athletes when they were called to doping control. If an athlete is asked to provide a urine sample for testing they are provided with a chaperone who stays with them at all times until they are ready for the loo! Phil was given this job and once the Games were over he continued volunteering in this role. He is often required at athletics meetings where doping control are present and has recently started working with the rugby federation on their anti doping programme.

Others from my club were involved in the opening and closing ceremonies: fetching and carrying and making sure performers were where they should be on the stage and there were some who were given metal detectors to scan the spectators bags for security. Whatever their role it was an amazing experience and an opportunity to be a part of the occasion, often rubbing shoulders with some of the best athletes in the world.

Most of the volunteers in Manchester were from the Manchester area but London 2012 will be taking people from all over  the UK as there are venues in all areas of the country. The football events will be spread across various stadiums from Hampden Park in Glasgow to Wembley in the London area. So wherever you are there is a job waiting for you. Visit London2012 to find out more.