Inspire LeicesterShire Volunteers at London 2012 Games

Local volunteers are set to make an impact on the London 2012 Games, thanks to a helping hand from Inspire LeicesterShire. 

Volunteering at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once in a lifetime experience and we wanted as many people as possible from Leicester and Leicestershire to take up this amazing opportunity. Our scheme is the FIRST of only three in the UK that is providing financial support to local Games Maker volunteers. Something we, at Inspire LeicesterShire, are incredibly proud of.   

Realising that the costs associated with volunteering at the Games, particularly at a London venue, would be a barrier for some people, the Leicester and Leicestershire Games Maker Grant Scheme was developed which has allowed us to provide over 60 local London 2012 Games Makers with a bursary of £250 to go towards travel and accommodation expenses. For many volunteers, this funding has been the deciding factor as to whether they take up their Games Maker position or not.  “Volunteers are crucial to the successful delivery of the Olympic & Paralympic Games. Without them, the Games would simply not happen. It’s absolutely fantastic that with help from all our partners, we have been able to give some of our local Games Makers a financial hand and make their experience all the more rewarding.” Shimul Haider, 2012 Games Legacy Director for Inspire LeicesterShire 

The Leicester and Leicestershire Games Maker Grant Scheme has been funded by Inspire LeicesterShire, Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicester City Council, Melton Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. “Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport recognises that without volunteers, grass roots sport could not function. We have been delighted to lend our support to see Leicestershire and Leicester volunteers take up this once in a lifetime opportunity. We hope that London 2012 helps us to inspire a thousand more volunteers to help out in local sport.” 

John Byrne, Director Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport Games Makers received their cheque at a presentation evening held on 5th July, at SportPark, Loughborough University. They will be supporting the Games in roles as varied as transport team members; family assistants; doping team members; press operations; first responder (medical); hockey ball patroller; wayfinders; lifeguard; Paralympic opening ceremony performer and  – at Games venues across the country.

‘I have volunteered for as long as I can remember and this is the first time I’ve had any financial support. Friends are amazed when I tell them it is all self-financed and what the total cost is for our accommodation and travel. Being a Games Maker though is my way of saying thank you  and giving a bit back for all our family have had from rowing’. Paula Walton, Kirby Muxloe Games Maker volunteering in Event Services (Rowing) at Eton Dorney. 

“Having been selected as a volunteer for the Paralympic Games 2012 in London has given me the chance to be a part of and support this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am grateful to be able to participate in this experience with ease due to the funding support provided by Inspire Leicestershire & Leicester City Council, which will help with travel costs and support me during my stay and volunteering experience in London”.  Aarti C Thobhani, Leicester City Games Maker in Event Services at the Olympic Park.

“The money will help me worry less about not doing paid work whilst I’m volunteering at the Olympics. Being self-employed means I can’t take the time off on annual leave so this money helps cover my loss of earnings.” Becky White, Loughborough Games Maker volunteering as a Media Workroom Assistant (Press Operations) at the Aquatic Centre.

‘The Games Grant Maker Scheme will be a massive help for all of those who applied and were lucky enough to receive a grant. I will travel from Leicester to London a total of 6 times. Then there is the cost of living in London for 11 days during the games. My grant will go a huge way in supporting me during this time and I will spend every penny wisely’.  Joe Dunmore, Wigston Games Maker volunteering as a First Responder (Medical Team) at the Olympic Park.�
“It is quite overwhelming to be assisted financially with the Olympics. Financial uncertainty always makes volunteering a lot harder as you are thinking ‘Should I do this? Can I afford this?’ I’m sure that I’m not the only one in this position and the grant will make a huge difference!”  Rosi Yule, Leicestershire Games Maker volunteering as a First Responder (Medical Team) at the Olympic Park.

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