Corps news – Embassy 29

Calling all Ambassadors…

The London 2012 Games are a unique and outstanding opportunity for London and the UK. London will undoubtedly be the place to be in 2012 and will deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for competitors, spectators, visitors and Londoners alike.

The capital in Games time will be a “city for everyone”. The success of London 2012 will not just be about the Games themselves, but about the whole visitor experience of London. Visitors will receive a fantastic welcome throughout their time in the city – from arriving at the airport to leaving at the end of the trip.

Events, festival live sites and celebrations planned across the city will showcase London’s rich cultural history. ‘Spectacular’ moments around the city will provide visitors, Londoners and spectators with picture-postcard images and lasting memories of this momentous event in the City’s history.

I want to ensure the chance to be part of the Games is made available to everyone and I want to highlight some specific opportunities for you to get involved.

Firstly, London Ambassadors will welcome visitors to the capital, provide information on what to see and do, and how to get around the city. We need 8,000 volunteers who reflect London’s cosmopolitan make up. Our Ambassadors will have fantastic people skills, will have passion for the capital, and will be the face of London in Games time.

Obviously with your skills and knowledge, members of the diplomatic community would be hugely useful in these roles. Registrations close on 31 December, so please go to www.londonambassadors.org.uk to register.

Secondly, we would like anyone planning events for 2012 to provide information as early as possible. 2012 will be the busiest year in London’s events history and the city’s services need to know about all large events that could take place.

By having information in advance public services will be able to plan where to allocate valuable resources, and to ensure we achieve the celebratory atmosphere across London that we all want.

I know you will be planning events for 2012 for either annual or one-off celebrations, such as National Olympic Committee Houses and consumer events to promote your country, and we would very much appreciate details so we can include them in the city’s overall planning. This information can be entered on to The Culture Diary at www.theculturediary.com, or see the GLA website for further information (www.london.gov.uk/eventsin2012).

The exciting opportunities from the 2012 Games are open to everyone and I encourage you to take part.

Neale Coleman, London Olympic Coordinator

Further details about the Games can be found at:
www.london.gov.uk/priorities/london-2012-olympic-and-paralympic-games