Star Volunteers from Clare Mount

Volunteering Week - #StarVolunteers from Clare Mount Specialist Sports College

Spirit of 2012 are partnering up with Team Personal Best to support the London 2017 inspiration Volunteer programme. England Athletics will receive £900,000 over the next three years. The funding was awarded in response to research commissioned by Spirit of 2012 and conducted by England Athletics and is for the purpose increasing the number, diversity and skills of athletics volunteers, improve their experience and give as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in athletics.

To celebrate Volunteering Week, we’ve been speaking to some #StarVolunteers to hear about their own volunteering experiences. First up, we were lucky enough to speak to pupils from Clare Mount Specialist Sports College – a specialist school for students with moderate learning difficulties and additional needs such as autism. They will all be Kit Carriers at London 2017.

First things first. What made you decide to become an Athletics volunteer?

Jack: “I like helping out with different things as I like to help people.”

Jacob: “I became a volunteer because I like athletics.”

Joshua: “I went to the Paralympic Games with School and enjoyed the experience, so I jumped at the opportunity to go to London 2017 and help.”

Sounds great! So what positive difference has volunteering made in your own life?

Demi:”It has made me feel more confident.”

Joshua: “It has helped boost my confidence working with different groups of people as well as helping me better understand the community.”

Paul: “It gave me confidence and I joined a talent programme.”

Harry: Meeting new people and helping people.”

Jack: It makes me feel happier and I feel more organised.”

With that in mind, why should other people get involved in Athletics volunteering?

Paul: “Because it’s fun to do!”

Jacob: “It gives people the experience to have professional responsibilities. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will look great on your CV.”

Joshua: “It is important to help out at large community events.”

Demi: “It is good for education and moral.”

Paige: “Make new friends!”

Sounds fantastic. So finally, what are you most looking forward to about volunteering at the Championships this summer?

Harry: “Getting good advice. Watching and learning form the athletes and sharing this learning with others.”

Jacob: “Seeing famous athletes and being inside the Olympic Stadium.”

Joshua: “I am looking forward to watching the events as well as helping out the athletes at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Paige: “Meeting the athletes and making new friends.”

Jack: “Everything!”