London 2012 Olympics: volunteering for Games open to general public

London 2012 needs to sign up 70,000 volunteers in what is being described as the biggest recruitment exercise since the Second World War.

''Volunteers are hugely important and it is one of the big things I remember about Vancouver,'' said Williams, the women's skeleton champion from this year's Winter Olympics.

At the Winter Games in Canada in February the whole country seemed to be gripped by a sense of achievement – and there is no reason why Britain should not feel the same, according to Williams, 27.

She said: ''London 2012 is basically an amazing opportunity for our athletes to compete in their own country and I think, judging from my experience in Vancouver, it was an amazing experience for the Canadians in Canada.

''It was something for the whole nation and it will be the same here with the bubble of excitement growing.

''It is a proud moment for a country to have the Olympics in their own country and to know as an athlete that we are part of it.

''Obviously there are only so many people who can compete and be competitive but what a good way to help with the experience and to be part of it.''

Hopefuls must be at least 18 on January 1, 2012, available to volunteer for at least 10 days during either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games and at least three days of training before the events.

There will be no free tickets for the 2012 competitions.

Volunteers are interested to learn new skills - London Olympics 2010

Volunteers are being keen to learn new talents and increase experience of national and international events prior to the London 2012 Olympics.

The British Swimming Volunteer Training Programme, which will begin in January 2010, intent to provide volunteers with the opportunity to facilitate major s to prepare them for applying for volunteer tasks at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The programme is under the London 2012 Inspire Mark. This recognises non-commercial projects and events inspired by the Games.

Although the official London 2012 volunteer application process opens later in 2010, Saturday 19th June saw almost 60 of the 100 recruits on the programme descend on British Swimming’s offices at SportPark in Loughborough for the initial induction day.

He explained how all British Swimming athletes are confident to give workers just a smile during their day to make sure they are acknowledged and feel delightful. Through a question and answer session the Olympic medallist shared his memories of Athens and Beijing and his hopes for London in 2012.