London 2012: Why the Makers Make it Happen - Essay Example

London Why the Makers Make it Happen Any Olympics will not be possible without its hundreds and thousands of volunteers. For the London Olympics, it needs 70,000 volunteers who will work with 8,000 London Ambassadors. These volunteers will handle a variety of roles and responsibilities, such as assisting tourists regarding the Games and other tourist destinations. The work is not that easy, since volunteers are expected to train for at least three days every week and work for up to ten hours a day. Also, they have to spend for their own transport and accommodation for a minimum of 10 days. Clearly, volunteering will be based on the internal motivations of the Makers to be involved and to have the drive to help make the Games a resounding success for all participants, including tourists. But why do these volunteers volunteer at all? Why do they want to participate in what is both a stressfully demanding and rewarding volunteer work? Gary Chan, a Chinese immigrant, is one of the chosen Makers. He said he had been an active volunteer in many community projects in Aberdeen and stressed that to be a Maker is his dream. He had a bright disposition regarding his active participation in the games, because he believed his skills would be helpful in dealing with different nationalities: “I will be part of the communications team in London. Since I know Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Spanish, I know that these communication skills will come in handy with different tourists.” When asked about his motivations as a Maker, he explained: “This is all about being part of something big. I am just a fraction of the Makers, but I know that all of us have an important role to play in the games. Altruism is enough for me to be a Maker.” Lilly Akia, a Japanese teacher, stressed that she wanted to “make a difference.” She noted that she had always participated in numerous educational volunteer services, and now, she wanted to try something in the sports arena. She said: “This is outside my sanctuary, because I am not actually a sports enthusiast. Still, I am very good with people. Let’s just say I am tourist whisperer.” She laughed afterwards. “I know how to make angry or worried tourists calm. We have a travel agency and some tourists can be quite irate. Maybe it is my voice or demeanour, but they like me instantly and believe in what I tell them.” I mentioned that her charm may be due to her very attractive features, but she just laughed at me. Lilly answered: “All I know that to be a Maker is such an exciting job, it’s not even a job. I am so honoured to be part of the Games. My family is so proud too. They bragged about my being a Maker to all our relatives and friends in Japan.” She blushed at that thought but stressed: “I know that they are proud of me and I am happy about that.” Hispanic Luis Del Rosario has a different motivation. For him, he just wanted to be in the “thick of the thick.” He described himself as a “people person” who wants nothing more than to help people know what they need to know and go where they have to go. He stressed that: “I like helping people. I volunteered for elderly homes and children’s organizations, because they are about interacting and sharing a common experience. The Games is like an all-time high for volunteers like me. It is a social drug that I will treasure my entire life.” He said that he is in charge in communications and will be training for four days for several weeks. Right now, he admitted that he could hardly sleep at night. He emphasized his excitement and energy for the games: “I don’t have to be a world-class player to be in the Games. But I will be a world-class Maker!” His spirit shone from his heart as he said these words. Arnie Martes, a Filipino nursing student, shared the same positive vibes as the rest of those interviewed. She said that she would be working in supporting the medical needs of the participants and tourists. She mentioned that she already volunteered in sports events before, because she herself is a sports aficionado. She exclaimed: “I am so sports-centred. I love volleyball, table tennis, and swimming. I run every day for an hour. I know that I am physically and emotionally prepared for the Games!” She expressed her motivations to be a Maker as something that intersects personal and educational needs: “As a student, this volunteer experience will be great in my future job resume. Also, I have done so many volunteer jobs, because I truly enjoy helping people. I find it fulfilling to help, not just because I am paid to do it, but because I want to do it.” These are only some of the Makers, but they express something in common- they believe they are made for the job and that they will be great makers, because of their passion in helping others. Truly, they embody the essence of world-class Makers. Read More