Why I love the London 2012 volunteers...

This blog is inspired by the 70,000 games makers who gave freely of their time and energy in support of London 2012.  Top job – you have made us all very proud.

When I think about how excellent the London 2012 volunteers have been it really does make me spontaneously smile.   So as I sit here basking in the final few days of London 2012 I feel compelled to look at why it is they have had such a notable effect.

It is now a fairly well known fact that the concept of volunteers supporting the Olympics was first introduced at the 1948 London games.  In 1948 the UK was still experiencing rationing as part of the economic hangover from the Second World War and was compelled to use volunteers to ensure it could put the Games on.   Fast forward 64 years to 2012 and the concept of Games volunteers is established at the heart of the Games management process.  No Games functions without them.  So why have we all been so particularly touched by them this time round?

Strangely I can’t help but think that it has something to do with the overall economic climate and global social uncertainty (traces of 1948).   As many of us face personal financial difficulties, compounded for some by the increasing challenge of finding work and living on reduced means, our levels of stress and isolation rise and our baser instincts come to the fore (remember the London riots of 2011).   We were plugged into a potentially dangerous cycle and the country braced itself for further civil unrest.  Then, into the midst of our consciousness, during this time of anomie, step the values and performances of the Olympic Games and those beautiful, willing volunteers.  An army of cheerful, helpful and ubiquitous superstars – steering us, guiding us, offering us support and advice whilst keeping our spirits up.  It’s been brilliant and it’s been freely given.  The result is that a seed of hope arises within us, that, when difficult times come our way, there are actually many people out there amongst our neighbours who have the grace and courage to help.  We are not alone.

At the risk of falling into Olympic induced hyperbole we are lifted by the simple act of time given with a great attitude.  And the really powerful thing for us all to get our heads around is that these volunteers are not some super race – they are us, our neighbours, our friends, our colleagues.   They are not angels – they are ordinary people.

So as I reflect on London 2012 and the legacy it leaves I am deeply thankful for the volunteers and their simple act of giving their time for free.   My hope is that we have inspired a generation.  Inspired them to participate, take part and give freely of themselves – as opposed to the desperation, alienation and sense of entitlement that fuelled the riots.

So much as I want to say bring on Rio, let's move on.  I'd also like to raise us all a mini-challenge that says we can keep the spirit of London 2012 going here in the UK if we continue to reach out and volunteer - our country needs us.  If we try it we might enjoy it - I have a feeling the volunteers loved every moment.

Go Team GB