Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, were on hand to publicise a scheme which gives people the opportunity to "London 2012 Games Makers" or "London Ambassadors" in front of the London 2012 flagship shop which opened also on Tuesday at St Pancras International Station.

"There are two years to go until the Olympic Games begin and we want everyone to start planning their once in a lifetime experience in 2012," Coe said.

"We are well on track, the venues are nearing completion and our plans are coming together.

"Now it's the public's turn.

"How will you spend the summer of 2012?

"Whether it's buying a ticket, becoming a volunteer, being part of our education or culture programmes, there are hundreds of ways you can get involved.

"Don't wait, to ensure you don't miss out, start planning your Games now. "

The London 2012 volunteer programme is seeking to recruit up to 70, 000 volunteers or "London 2012 Games Makers".

Pre-identified people wanting to become a London 2012 Games Maker can now apply for specialist positions such as doctors, anti- doping personnel and scoreboard operators from today while applications for the generalist roles which include ticket checking, uniform distribution and staffing help-desks and information points, will open on September 15.

The city of London also aims to recruit 8,000 London Ambassadors who will be located at key points across the city, including transport hubs, outside Games venues, and at popular visitor spots.

They will provide information on what to see and do, where to stay and how to get there.

"London's Ambassadors will have a vital role to play, but in 2012 I want every Londoner to feel they too can be ambassadors for the capital during this special period in our history," said Johnson.

"And I want our visitors to return home having had the time of their lives."

Then, Coe and Johnson as well as other key officials involved 2012 Games, including Sports and Minister Olympic Minister Hugh Robertson, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton took the train at St Pancras for a seven-minute journey to Straford International Station, for a tour in the Olympic Park where four-time cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, American sprinter Michael Johnson as well as former NBA basketball player John Amaechi showed their skills in the venues which are close to completion.

To find out more about how to become a volunteer click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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