The world’s biggest sporting event is made possible by up to 70,000 volunteers, or Games Makers, who have given up their time to help welcome the world to London.
Across the Olympics, both in venues and back-of-house, volunteers are performing a wide variety of specialist and generalist roles – whether running information desks, helping out on the field of play, checking tickets or working in the medical services team.
‘I feel like I’m making history’
One volunteer relishing their role is Steve Tarrant from Poole, whose job it is to carry the medals and flowers presented to Sailing medallists during the Victory Ceremonies in Weymouth. Steve said: 'After being disabled 12 years ago, I made it my aim to achieve new challenges. I couldn’t give up the chance to be involved in the biggest sporting event in the world. One of the highlights for me is feeling like I’m making history as one of the first wheelchair users to do this role.'
There are also lots of volunteers working behind the scenes – like Jacintha Mack Smith, a member of the London 2012 website team. She says that volunteering at the Games has shown her how exciting live sport can be: 'Even if you don’t know much about the sport itself, the spectacle of it all is amazing – the crowds, the noise.'
‘I feel lucky and proud that everyone is giving 110%’
Charlotte, a 23-year-old Londoner, is a member of the Sport Info team for Archery. Having recently graduated in dentistry, she is working some of her shifts in the Polyclinic in the Olympic Village.
Charlotte said: 'I was desperate to be involved in any way possible. It is a bit of a coincidence that I've ended up using my dentistry skills, but it’s been amazing – getting to meet some of the leading dentists in my chosen profession has been unexpected but a great opportunity.'
'It’s truly amazing what people can achieve when we all come together. People are so excited, touched – even on the Tube, strangers are chatting to one another, and the Tube drivers are announcing when Team GB wins gold! I feel lucky and proud that everyone seems to be giving 110% because of the Games.’
See more examples of how volunteers have been making the Games in our photo gallery
