Bronze, Silver and Gold… perhaps a Platinum for the Olympics’ Volunteers?

London 2012 is a masterful event that has been in the planning stages for years and we are now seeing it play out.  The spectacular Opening Ceremonies alone utilized more than 10,000 volunteers.  It is estimated that 75,000 volunteers are contributing to the success of the Games over the 16 days.  And countless volunteers around the world, helped train and raise funds to get the athletes to London.  The volunteers are often overlooked, although I was happy that the volunteers were mentioned as an integral part of the Opening.  The London 2012 Organizing Committee has dubbed the volunteers “Games Makers.”  Very appropriate!  Recruitment began in September 2010. They received more than 240,000 applications and interviewed 100,000 people across the UK. Successful applicants attended at least three training sessions.  They ask that Games Makers to be inspirational, open, respectful, team-focused, distinctive and have a ‘can do’ attitude.  In addition to the Games Makers, the Mayor of London established a program called Team London Ambassadors. These volunteers welcome visitors from all over the world and are “the face of London,” people who are passionate about the city and want to tell millions of people about the hidden treasures that makes London one of the best capital cities in then world.  As we root on the athletes, lets pause and remember that the Games Makers are doing just that!  http://www.london2012.com/about-us/volunteers/about-our-games-makers/