Helpers for the Olympics

[Icy Gull]

Caught a glimpse of something about applications required for 70,000 people to be helpers at the London Olympics. Stewarding, accompanying guests to seats etc. Seemed like a great idea for those who live in the area, however I then heard that it was to be an unpaid job for the weeks that people were required.

Absolute pisstake imo, what does NSC reckon?

 

[Simster]

It happens once a year and it's only one week. Get involved.

I'll be doing it (if I can get time off work).

 

[Tricky Dicky]

The biggest non-war recruitment drive the country has ever had. Didn't know it was unpaid, with the money it's costing us, I'm a bit surprised.

They partcularly want people who speak other languages, and a good grasp of English would be a start - which unfortunately is beyond many people here.

 

[Icy Gull]

It happens once a year and it's only one week. Get involved.

I'll be doing it (if I can get time off work).

Really? I thought it went on for about a month and it hasn't taken place here for decades?

 

[Uwinsc]

Apparently you have to commit to 10 days. I like the idea but don't want to apply yet-however if they are still recruiting this time next year I might apply.

 

[Simster]

Really? I thought it went on for about a month and it has happened for decades?

Yes you're right. They want you to take the whole month and work unpaid, and the Olympics has been in London every single summer since 1890.

I take it back.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Apparently you have to commit to 10 days. I like the idea but don't want to apply yet-however if they are still recruiting this time next year I might apply.

The minimum commitment is 10 days. I've heard that they are oversubscribed already. I helped at the Special Olympics years ago and it was a brilliant time. Even if you're doing drudge jobs there's a great sense of being part of something. It was lifechanging for some people. Great craic, very interesting, good friends and lifetime memories. Worth getting involved if you can spare the time.

 

[Return of the Rev]

if its with a view of events very tempted

 

[Icy Gull]

if its with a view of events very tempted

They need 70,000 people, ask yourself, is it likely you'll even be in the stadiums?

I'll happily be the guy who holds the red or white flag in the triple or long jumps but I'm not sure that's the type of helper they are looking for. Skivvy is a more likely title and job I'd think.

 

[clippedgull]

No thanks. I will be watching from my armchair!

Plenty of mugs will offer themselves up for free, while the IOC make millions!

 

[desprateseagull]

fecking liberty, asking for unpaid workers, when the bods in charge are getting ££££m for just being there?

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

Thanks for the tip, just applied! Could be fun for a couple of weeks in my hols

 

[Bevendean Hillbilly]

It would help if the ones involved in the recruitment drive were doing it for free.

 

[Return of the Rev]

They need 70,000 people, ask yourself, is it likely you'll even be in the stadiums?

I'll happily be the guy who holds the red or white flag in the triple or long jumps but I'm not sure that's the type of helper they are looking for. Skivvy is a more likely title and job I'd think.

might need someone to wipe down the gymnastics mat

 

[bhaexpress]

I'm just pleased that it's voluntary as at least that's one less cost that the tax payer will have to bear.

 

[Return of the Rev]

collecting urine samples! gets even better

 

[SurreySeagulls]

I wont mind smoothing out the sand for the womens beach volleyball

 

[Arthritic Toe]

I wont mind smoothing out the sand for the womens beach volleyball

Or the shower attendant, come to that.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

They were on about this a lot on BBC London last night. Many people just didn't seem to get the meaning of 'volunteer', others were wingeing about getting time off from employers and lack of free travel and accommodation. The whole point is that if you are in a position to give the time, can get there and want to be a part of it, then volunteer. Otherwise dont.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

This getting paid issue is missing the point (in my experience). It's rare that you ge the chance to be involved with something this monumental - a major world event which could give you memories and friendships for the rest of your life. Just my view.