Olympics volunteering - good for the volunteer, good for the economy?

vivatifosi

The opportunity for people to act as an Olympics volunteer opens tomorrow. Given how much the economy has changed since we won the right to stage the games, I wondered what everyone's take is on the volunteering aspect.

Volunteers have to give up three days prior to the games for training and 10 days over the period of the Olympics/Paralympics. They may get meals and some transport paid but they won't get accommodation.

Do you think its a good idea to volunteer? Would you do it yourself? Employers, would you find this a helpful thing to have on a work history? If you're unemployed would you bother to apply or would you worry about its impacting on your employment options?

I'm just curious as to whether anyone is considering it and whether any part of their motivation is economic (eg looks good on the CV) or purely altruistic.

Here's the link if anyone is interested in applying:
http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/volunteer/index.php

olly300

The only people who can volunteer are those who either live in London and the SE, or can stay some where free in the area.

Really2

I have put my self forward as a towel holder in the showers for the women's beach volleyball.
I hate to put myself out, but you have to do you bit for the country on such occasions
A selflessless act, but some one has got to do it.

vivatifosi

Really2 wrote: »

A selflessless act, but some one has got to do it.

You're a true patriot Really...

vivatifosi

olly300 wrote: »

The only people who can volunteer are those who either live in London and the SE, or can stay some where free in the area.

I don't know the ins and outs of where you can volunteer for, but aren't they holding football in Manchester, Cardiff, etc?

misskool

I'm going to apply because it should be fun! I enjoy have anecdotes for dinner parties or drunken night outs. Saves pretending to care about small talk.

BlondeHeadOn

I would love to volunteer, but unfortunately I can't because I am disabled and would have trouble with the work. I'd like to be involved though, just to be there and be a part of the atmosphere of a major sporting event.

Years ago (when not disabled) I was a volunteer at the London marathon and it was a really knackering but really rewarding day. Just being a part of it was really uplifting and a memory I cherish.

If you are thinking about it, I'd say go for it.

silvercar

olly300 wrote: »

The only people who can volunteer are those who either live in London and the SE, or can stay some where free in the area.

Why? Are people not allowed to pay to stay near the Olympics to volunteer? Paying to see one or two events and volunteering at others could make a nice break.

Thrugelmir

I volunteer for the Tour of Britain cycle race every year, either a start or finish. Just for the enjoyment of seeing behind the scenes at the event.

PasturesNew

I won't even be watching them on the telly - and they're about 300 miles away. I have zero interest in the Olympics. Most sport is expensive, so even in sport you mostly get those from rich families who are doing well ... let the rich bugg4hs/families of the competitors volunteer.

olly300

PasturesNew wrote: »

I won't even be watching them on the telly - and they're about 300 miles away. I have zero interest in the Olympics. Most sport is expensive, so even in sport you mostly get those from rich families who are doing well ... let the rich bugg4hs/families of the competitors volunteer.

Not true.

With athletics the people completing tend to come from very poor backgrounds. They use the sport as their means of escaping poverty hence the reason why you now see so many Kenyans running.

Lots of coaching at the grass roots level for sports including running, football, rugby, hockey and netball even in this country is free.

The main cost with sport is the equipment and the membership fees of the clubs for the facilities you use.

With running clubs this is very cheap. For example there are 4 running clubs near me and their yearly membership is a maximum of £40 a year (one costs £10 a year) and you get 2 training sessions a week. You can actually compete every week for free in a 5K and a few times a year free in 10Ks. If you are good then there are more races open to you free. The most expensive cost is a pair of running shoes which if you go to a proper running shop they will not sell you a £100 as a beginner.

There as with hockey due to the facilities, the nearest clubs to me cost something like £400 a year to join. And then you have to buy your kit and stick.

So yes sports like hockey, sailing, archery and rowing tend to attract richer people because to buy the equipment and use the facilities costs money but there are exceptions to the rule. For example Steve Redgrave was not from a wealthy background and I know people who aren't from wealthy backgrounds who use to row and play tennis using top facilities as adults.