Weymouth & Portland Ambassador Programme Launched

Posted on 17 June 2011 by Dorset County Council

Today marks the launch of the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme (WPA)

With the application process open and you can apply now by visiting www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset2012/wpa

The 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 WPA 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 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, Chairman of LOCOG said “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, said 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…..

  1. Enthusiastic about the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
  2. Committed to the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme.
  3. Passionate about Weymouth and Portland.
  4. 16 years old or over by 31 January 2012

Volunteers will be asked to commit to 60 hours of their time over the Olympic and Paralympic period which will be divided into 10 shifts lasting 6 hours.

Sarah Kennedy, who is managing the programme on behalf of the Weymouth & Portland 2012 Operations Team commented: 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!”

(Links marked with "Link to 2012 contact information" open in a new window)


For more information, please contact:

Duncan Flint
Council Offices
North Quay
Weymouth
DT4 8TA
Or email us:
tellus@teamdorset.org.uk

Or call us:
01305 838161
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2 Comments For This Post

  1. scott Says:

    why cant i volunteer i am 12 on 17/1/12 and i have been a volunteer for 4 years at wpnsa

  2. Dorset County Council Says:

    Hi, thanks for your message. Unfortunately LOCOG (who are organising the Games) specify that their younger volunteers (or Young Games Makers as they call them) must be 16 years old or over on 1 July 2012, and under 18 on 1 January 2012. Health & safety and child protection requirements have dictated the age range. You can read more about this on the London 2012 website at http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/volunteer/.

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