London 2012 volunteers will be recruited and trained by McDonald’s staff as part of a multi million pound sponsorship deal with the fast food giant.
Arrangers will start looking for 70,000 volunteers re badged as Games Makers from July 27, which marks the two years to go celebrations. The sponsorship deal, the 32nd sealed by the organising committee, is a coup for McDonald’s, which has long been a sponsor of the Olympic Games, as it affords a highly visible promotional link to the public attending the Games.
Locog 2012 chairman Lord Coe said the Games Makers had to be passionate and prepared for a serious commitment. Volunteers should not expect to be the person carrying Usain Bolt’s tracksuit. Instead, many of the positions are behind the scenes roles with little interaction with the athletes.
Lord Coe said the success of the Games would come down to selecting and training the right talent for the volunteering positions.
”We want them to get the experience of a lifetime, and it is also a fantastic chance for people to find out about themselves and take them out of the comfort zone,” Lord Coe said.
Officials have stressed that people need to take their time considering whether to volunteer because the commitment is substantial. Games Makers will have to be prepared for at least 10 days of unpaid work during the Games as well as undergo several training days conducted by McDonald’s.
Travel costs, accommodation and other expenses have to be borne by the volunteers.
The first tranche of volunteering positions for specialists will open on July 27. The general positions will be launched on Sept 15. There will be a special programme for 1500 volunteers aged under 18.
The Mayor of London is also opening a volunteering programme for 7000 city guides on July 27.
Arrangers will start looking for 70,000 volunteers re badged as Games Makers from July 27, which marks the two years to go celebrations. The sponsorship deal, the 32nd sealed by the organising committee, is a coup for McDonald’s, which has long been a sponsor of the Olympic Games, as it affords a highly visible promotional link to the public attending the Games.
Locog 2012 chairman Lord Coe said the Games Makers had to be passionate and prepared for a serious commitment. Volunteers should not expect to be the person carrying Usain Bolt’s tracksuit. Instead, many of the positions are behind the scenes roles with little interaction with the athletes.
Lord Coe said the success of the Games would come down to selecting and training the right talent for the volunteering positions.
”We want them to get the experience of a lifetime, and it is also a fantastic chance for people to find out about themselves and take them out of the comfort zone,” Lord Coe said.
Officials have stressed that people need to take their time considering whether to volunteer because the commitment is substantial. Games Makers will have to be prepared for at least 10 days of unpaid work during the Games as well as undergo several training days conducted by McDonald’s.
Travel costs, accommodation and other expenses have to be borne by the volunteers.
The first tranche of volunteering positions for specialists will open on July 27. The general positions will be launched on Sept 15. There will be a special programme for 1500 volunteers aged under 18.
The Mayor of London is also opening a volunteering programme for 7000 city guides on July 27.
.jpg)