The Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Team launches
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme
“Be the welcoming smile in 2012”
Today marks the launch of the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme, with the application process open and you can apply now by visiting www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset2012/wpa
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme will enable people to volunteer during the Olympic and Paralympic period in 2012, at key locations, in Weymouth and Portland. Weymouth and Portland Ambassadors will steward, marshal, answer questions, give advice and be the welcoming smile to people visiting Weymouth and Portland during Games time next year. The Olympic and Paralympic period for the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme will run from 26 July – 9 September 2012; a total of 46 days.
Up to 800 volunteers will be required and the application process starts 17 June 2011 and closes 17 October at 20:12pm.
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme has been awarded the prestigious Inspire Mark by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and is the first 2012 host venue volunteer programme, outside of London, to be launched; ahead of other host venues such as Cardiff, Manchester and Lee Valley.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, quotes: “We're delighted to support the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme, which is a great opportunity for local people, who are passionate about Weymouth and Portland, to get involved during Games time."
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council 2012 Brief holder, Councillor Howard Legg, quotes: “Our volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors, provide information and answer any queries that are put to them. This will be a demanding task which they will achieve with full training to supplement their enthusiasm and eagerness to want to help.”
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme is an all inclusive programme that promotes equality and diversity. The only criterion to be set is that people are.....
- Enthusiastic about the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
- Committed to the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme.
- Passionate about Weymouth and Portland.
- 16 years old or over by 31 January 2012
Volunteers will be asked to give 60 hours of commitment over the Olympic and Paralympic period which will be divided into 10 shifts lasting 6 hours.
Sarah Kennedy, leading on the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme quotes: “Our Ambassadors will wear officially branded uniforms, be provided with a bus travel card, meal and refreshments during their volunteer shift and will be acknowledged for their valuable 60 hours of commitment. “
To apply to become a Weymouth and Portland Ambassador visit the online application form at www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset2012/wpa
Successful applicants will be informed by December 2011.
As London 2012 makes it’s pledge of being the ‘greenest Games’ to date we are trying to encourage all applicants to apply online – all that is needed is a valid email address. If people require assistance with their online application form or want to access the internet free of charge then they can contact their local library, the Volunteer Centre Dorset, Weymouth Community Volunteers , Island Community Action or Weymouth College who are all offering free internet access and application form help and support.
If people do require a paper application form then they can pick one up at their local library, complete it and drop it back into their library; who will then send it on their behalf, free of charge.
If applicants require the application form in any other format such as brail, audio or easy read please ring 01305 224320 for assistance and quote; WPA.
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme launches today – “Be Inspired, Be Part of It!”
NOTES TO EDITORS
For additional information, contact: Sarah Kennedy – sarahkennedy@weymouth.gov.uk – 01035 838158
Led by the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Team; the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme is the only officially recognised volunteer programme, in Weymouth and Portland, outside of the London 2012 Games Maker programme.
The Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme is the result of researching other authorities’ plans, looking at existing successful models, working with the Government Olympic Executive (GOE), LOCOG, the Volunteer Centre Dorset, Weymouth Community Volunteers, Weymouth College and other key stakeholders and partners.
Have a question about the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador programme? Why not visit our Frequently Asked Questions page on www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset2012/wpa
