Sophy Ansell, Lulu Fundi and Sarah Jinodu – all members of UK Youth’s youth-led group, UK Youth Voice – joined team leaders Rachel Aston and Claire Dever to work with the Print Distribution team at the Aquatics Centre, responsible for delivering the latest swimming results and information to various media and broadcast groups.
Selection process
Up to 70,000 Britons became Games Makers but only 2000 were successful in becoming Young Games Makers, a role which gave 16 -17 year olds the chance to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The members of UK Youth Voice showed strong leadership and communication skills, as well as an ongoing commitment to volunteering and helping others. They demonstrated that they had what it takes to be successful in the selection events – and again during their shifts at the Games.
Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Sebastian (Lord) Coe has publicly acknowledged the importance of the role of the volunteer Games Makers in the success of this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics. As he said in a recent email to the team: “Volunteers really do make the difference between a good and a great Games. You were all so crucial to our whole operation coming together as smoothly as it did.”
Inspirational experience
Lulu Fundi says: “I`m overwhelmed, inspired and elated by my experience at the Paralympic Games. It gave me a sense of pride and honour to be involved in such a global event. London 2012 set out to inspire a generation; on a smaller scale I will be trying to do the same locally. My thanks UK Youth Voice, who opened up this opportunity for me.”
For Sarah Jinodu, "The highlight for me was working in the Olympic Park and wearing the uniform. The fact that we completed the tasks each day in the right way was a sense of achievement in itself. The uniform gave you access to different areas which made me feel a part of the games, it was a great honour."
Claire Dever, UK Youth’s E-Participation Officer adds her own perspective: “This has been an incredible experience for everyone involved. The Olympics and Paralympics have inspired people to get active and involved in their local communities. Just to be part of it has been very special and something that we will never forget. The Young Games Makers made such a vital difference to the successful running of the Games and this is just another example of why we should all be positive about youth.”
UK Youth Voice’s volunteering work continues through their Gen2Gen project, which is supporting young people to become IT mentors for older people.
Click here for more on UK Youth Voice.
Click here for more on Gen2Gen.
