I attended the first training day in Loughborough with 59 other would-be volunteers. We were treated to an inspirational talk with Beijing 10,000-metre silver medallist David Davies.
David was keen to tell us how valuable his experience of volunteers had been both in Beijing and Athens. From directing him to the correct bus stop, to translating the team's every need into English, he told us the volunteers were an integral part of ensuring the athletes' Games-time experience ran smoothly.
We also had a very engaging presentation from a veteran volunteer of British Swimming who has spent nearly 40 years volunteering and is now a well respected figure poolside.
Two representatives of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) showed us some of the most recent images of the revolutionary Aquatics Centre, which has already been filled with water for testing.
They also went through the rigorous application process with us. LOCOG really is determined to recruit the best possible volunteers and ensure their skills are matched to the roles best suited to them.
The British Swimming organiser explained to us in detail the roles that will need to be filled. We were left in no doubt that being on the programme did not guarantee us a volunteer role at Games-time and, if we were successful, we were not certain of seeing any of the action.
But that's fine by me - I just want to be a part of it and know that I have played a part in the biggest event ever to come to our country. I'd be happy selling programmes or directing members of the public!
This was the first day of a training programme that will see participants volunteer at many different aquatics events across the country, and that will hopefully give us the skills LOCOG will be looking for when they begin the recruitment process later this year.
I really want to be part of the Games – do you?
