Culture Integration

Culture Integration Volunteers

By ALEX DI MARTINO

The Game Makers

Game Makers is the London 2012 Olympics volunteers’ official name. They have no office space to share, they have different skills and experiences, yet they will work perfectly in sync to face more than 8.8 million ticket-holders attending the games this year.

70,000 individuals from different parts of the world have been coordinated and trained in only few months, to support one of the most remarkable events for Europe, from the beginning of the new millennium. But who really are these volunteers? Where do they come from? What do they need to do? And, most importantly, how is it possible to train and integrate 70,000 people in time for one event like the Olympics?

IT’S ALSO A MATTER OF PASSION

Zaynah Moher, 22, for example, is training to be a lawyer, and comes from Hyderabad, Pakistan, about 200 km from Karachi. “I couldn't wait for this opportunity to come” – says Zaynah – “I have family and friends in London so I can easily find accommodation – which I know is a major issue for volunteers.” “I love sport, and play basketball at home and I simply love anything that has something to do with sport. I know I will have maybe only a 1% chance to see a game” – continues Zaynah – “but still I love the idea of being involved in this at any level. For example, at the end of June about 50,000 of us had to simulate the public arriving with public transport and flooding into the Olympic stadium, just to test the system and the logistic. Everything worked perfectly – and it was very exciting!”

GIVE TO RECEIVE

The Games Makers recruitment began in September 2010. More than 250,000 applications skimmed down to about 100,000 interviews at selection centers across the UK. The selected applicants attended at least three training sessions (up to five sessions, for more demanding tasks). Many volunteers, like Zeynah, took part also in the London Prepares test events, which are an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and a greater understanding of how a large sporting event is staged. “I have learnt more in those three days that in a full year at College!” – declares Shelley Walters, 20, a veterinary student from Duluth, MN, USA – “In total, we are “giving” more than 8 million hours as volunteers. To offer something for free is something we are not used to these days, especially when it is in the region of millions, and, call me mad, but I love the idea of that!” Shelley continues with an inspiring argument of “giving in order to receive,” that makes sense, and tells me how everyone is so kind and respectful with the volunteers.

MOTIVATION IS KEY

But volunteering is not new to the UK. Indeed, volunteers have been fundamental for both Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games since they were recruited for the first time in 1948.“We want Games Makers to be inspirational, open, respectful, teamfocused, distinctive and have a 'can do' attitude,” states the LOGOC. A lot to ask for, from a volunteer, but the Olympics organizers have developed incredible skills in recruiting, selecting and training volunteers in a very limited timeframe, and have also capitalized on that. The capitalization has been planned also for the Games, to ensure that the entire UK, and not only London, will benefit from it. Legacy Trust UK, for example, is a charity aimed to create a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from London 2012. “We are not directly involved with the recruitment or training of volunteers but, of course, having so many programs aimed at creating a legacy, we need volunteers – we need to participate, not just to watch” admitted Julie Morrow, Legacy Trust UK Director of Communication and Game Maker, and adds “we have seen so many people wanting to be involved in the Olympic spirit, especially those not living in London”. And Julie is also one of them. She applied to become a Game

O1 Seb Coe and Eddie Izzard are joined by London 2012 volunteers for orientation training at Wembley Arena. The first orientation training event for 10,000 London 2012 Games Maker volunteers and Games Time employees. (Copyright Notice – LOCOG). 02 — 03 — 04 London 2012 unveils official uniforms for Games Makers and Technical Officials. They fulfil all the necessary practical criteria for a diverse range of Games Makers, LOCOG staff and Technical Officials to undertake the varied roles that will be required during the Games. (Copyright Notice – LOCOG/Adidas).

Maker in 2010. “I have been assigned to the Events Team, and I will be checking tickets for volleyball games.” When I asked Julie if she will get any perk, she said she doesn't know and doesn't care. She just wants to be there.

IT’S ALL IN THE SKILLS

Nikki, 35, was interviewed in December last year, and on the 4th of February she joined the other Games Makers gathered together for the first time at Wembley Arena, where London 2012 organizers' chairman Seb Coe thanked their effort and dedication, being convinced he recruited the right ones. “This day is vital.” – he said – “the people here will determine how we are viewed by the rest of the world, and I have no doubt that we have the crème de la crème in here. I have seen their applications. They're all from very different backgrounds, different skill sets, and I want to thank them all for being here.” Nikki, who has a management background in insurance and has a torchbearer daughter, explained to me how the selection process went and how she thinks everything worked so quickly and efficiently in terms of recruitment and training. “They were looking for specific skills” – says Nikki – “there are certain skills which make you immediately appealing for this activity. Languages, driving, medical, including dope testing, IT, managerial, hospitality and customer care, for example, are very important skills for this – and also being confident, open to people and flexible”. Nikki already possesses a few of these skills and she is also actively involved with STARS – a heart charity. “Once passed the initial interview” – continues Nikki – “you are assigned to a specific group, such as transport, accreditation or a specific group for each country. I have been assigned to the Technology group for the Paralympic, and I will work with the Scoring team which has been trained by Omega.” I asked Nikki who are the volunteers and why they want to do this. “There are all sorts of people among the volunteers. Ex-military, teachers, students, housewives, bus drivers, anyone. People who want to take this once-in-alifetime opportunity." I then asked provocatively – but why an opportunity? Why giving a lot of your time for free to a multi-billion event should be an opportunity? “The media made the Olympics very appealing” – replies Nikki – “and some people may feel not confident enough with certain skills and this is the right context to nurture and develop them – something that can be later reflected in their personal life and maybe changes it for the better”. In a world that seems fragmented and resettling, where ideals sound like an old song and the world of work is facing incredible challenges, it is very refreshing to see so many people aligned so naturally for the most ancient of human activities which sport represents – team-work, practice, excellence and success. •