I'm A Gamesmaker - Volunteering At The Olympics

In a previous post I wrote about my interview to become a Gamesmaker at this Summer's Olympics. I was thrilled to hear I had been chosen and was part of the team of 70,000 volunteers. I am a team leader with the Olympic Family Services and am to be based at a London Hotel.

It is a bit disappointing that I won't be in the midst of the excitement at the Olympic Stadium, however, I didn't really fancy a Summer of directing people to the toilets! I'm just pleased that I can be part of the Olympics and am happy to give up a few days of my Summer.

I have received quite a bit of training for my role. There was a general orientation which I have gone through online. As a team leader I had training at the McDonalds University in East Finchley. I had no idea that McDonalds had a university but it does and it's linked to Manchester Metropolitan University. I hoped to meet Ronald and learn how to flip burgers - but I didn't! There were about 70 of us, some volunteers and some employed by LOCOG, The London Organising Committee Of The Olympic and Paralympic Games. Training involved discussing various scenarios and learning how to lead a team. As franchisor of Musical Minis I am used to managing my team of franchisees and dealing with issues as they arise. Therefore, I'm confident I'll be able to cope with leading my team.

The next training day was role specific and was a whole day in Hackney. There were only 7 of us and a few trainers who explained what we would be doing in the hotels. We were taught which areas we needed to cover and how to issue tickets and passes to Olympic Committee members.

I have also received an afternoon of training in Canary Wharf, as team leader, on the computer systems I will be using. There were only 6 of us and we each had a computer. We were taught how to change volunteers' shifts and to make sure there were enough people working at each session.

Just before the Olympics start I have one more evening of training. This time it is venue specific and based in a London hotel, where I will have the chance to visit the hotel and desk I am working at.

I've been surprised at how many Gamesmakers don't live in London and have had to travel to the interview and training at their own expense and in their own time. I have met a number of volunteers from the South West, Northern England and Scotland and a few from Europe. They all feel that the sacrifice in both time and money is worth it to be part of the Games. They have to stay, at their own expense, near where they are volunteering this Summer for their shifts. Some have family in London whereas others have booked into hotels or campsites.

I have received my uniform and my authorisation badge. The uniform collection was run really efficiently. There was the ability to try on the trainers and uniform so we knew which sizes we needed. The only issue I had with this was that there were no mirrors, so we were unable to see what we looked like, so everyone tried on a few sizes which took longer. I actually really like the uniform - the quality is good and has obviously been designed with comfort in mind. Each Gamesmaker receives 2 polo shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, 2 pairs of socks, trainers, waterproof jacket, cap, water bottle, umbrella, watch and a bag. The jacket and trainers are my favourites. All items are branded 2012. Once we had tried on the items we moved along a collection line where we were given each item before going to a checkout where the items were recorded and bagged. At the end of our shifts the items are ours to keep.

I've received my shifts, 9 in total and each shift is 8 and a half hours long. Times vary from starting at 6.30am to finishing at 11pm. My concern is that the London Underground will have problems and I'll be unable to get in - this is out of my control though. I have received an Underground pass to use to get to my shifts.

I'm looking forward to my Gamesmaker role and can't wait for the Olympics to start.