London 2012 organisers have launched a scheme to recruit 2,000 young volunteers for a range of roles from mopping volleyball courts and distributing results to carrying Usain Bolt's kit and acting as tennis ball boys and girls.
Recruitment for the Young Games Makers scheme will began today through national sports governing bodies for 800 specialist roles; the application process for more general tasks will open from 22 September.
Some 250 teams of 16 to 18 year olds will be involved, with teachers and coaches encouraged to apply on their behalf. The LOCOG HR director, Jean Tomlin, said it would help deliver on the promises made by chairman Lord Coe that secured the Games in 2005.
"These Young Games Makers are under the age of 18 and we wanted to make sure we provided the right environment for them, making sure they were selected appropriately and safeguarding them properly," she said. "We had to make sure they work the right hours, they've got the right roles, the right supervision and we take care of them."
Tomlin said young volunteers in high-profile roles would be "trained in how not to be nervous" with the eyes of the world upon them. The number has been limited to 2,000 because the process had been "demand-led", she said.
There will be opportunities for those younger than 16, but mainly at football stadiums around the country to act as "escorts" for the teams when they come out on to the pitch and as flag bearers.
For more information visit the Young Games Makers website.
