Joanne Li's story:
I have always enjoyed helping others and so I applied to be a volunteer for the CSSC Games after 2 work colleagues volunteered 2 years ago and said that they had a fantastic time. I was told that everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming and that there was a brilliant atmosphere surrounding the Games with the competitors and volunteers.
I applied to be part of the Meet & Greet Team for the Games, and as the event date came closer, I must admit I started to get nervous as I've never done any sort of volunteer work before. Once arriving at the Games, my worries disappeared, everyone was really friendly and everything was so well organised that I knew that if I had any concerns or problems that they would be solved quickly.
As well as being part of the Meet & Greet Team, I was tasked to help out in one of the larger zones in case there were any problems and to distribute with refreshments. On the final day of competitions, I was also asked to accompany Sir David Bell and his private secretary around the Games. I was very nervous at being given such a huge role but I did my best and managed to complete the planned schedule so Sir David Bell was able to see as many of the various events as possible and also hand out some awards.
My first experience of the CSSC Games was amazing, I was shattered after being there for 3 days but I met some great people and I really enjoyed volunteering... in fact, so much that I would like to join the V Team! I haven't done any more volunteering work since the Games, but I'm waiting for opportunites and will definitely be applying for the next Games.
Linda Delves' story:
I attended the CSSC Games as a volunteer for the second time this year. I enjoyed it so much the first time in 2009 that I decided to offer my services again. This truly is a wonderful event and there was an amazing turnout of competitors this year.
I had the opportunity to meet people from various Government offices from all round the country - competitors and volunteers. I felt I was really making a difference by ensuring the event ran smoothly. There was a real community spirit amongst the Volunteer team and it ran like a well oiled machine.
This year I was promoted to Team Leader of the Athletics and the Dri Triathlon events. The volunteers' job is to ensure that the organisers have everything they need for their event to run smoothly. I had two assistants helping me and a walkie talkie - which was great fun! On two days we were very privileged to watch Paula Radcliffe training on the track. Wow, she was truly amazing and so fit.
This year the decision was made, by the Volunteering Committee, to allow a volunteer to escort Sir Gus O'Donnell around Loughborough University to present awards. I was honoured to be chosen to do this and felt very privileged to have been given such an opportunity and what a charming gentleman.
I will definitely be volunteering my services at the next CSSC Games as the whole experience is so thoroughly enjoyable.
I enjoy my volunteering experiences with the CSSC so much that I have volunteered to be a Gamesmaker at the 2012 Olympic Games. I am so thrilled to have been chosen and will be based at the Olympic Park in London. 240,000 people applied to be a volunteer, 100,000 were interviewed and 70,000 are required. I cannot wait for next Summer.
Volunteering is hard work and tiring but it is a great opportunity to meet new people and is so rewarding and worthwhile.
Laura Edwards' story:
The CSSC Games is a great chance to meet and work with like-minded people, share ideas, good practices and network for the future, whilst having some fun. Having attended my first CSSC Games in 2009 I knew that I had to apply to volunteer in 2011. And, yes, I do want to come back again in 2013!
Volunteering for CSSC means I get an opportunity to give something back to the local community while getting to participate in my passion... swimming! It's a worthwhile experience where I get to develop my personal skills, network with other civil servants, expand my knowledge of the civil service, and most of all, enjoy what I do. So much so, I've landed a volunteering role at the Aquatics Centre next Summer at the Olympics!
