London 2012

Gemma Finlay: Games Maker

Published 10 July 2012

Gemma Finlay, sports development manager for Active Sussex based at the Sports Centre at Falmer, is one of 70,000 Games Makers for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. London 2012 volunteers are called ‘Games Makers’, as they are helping to make the Games happen. The Games Makers will take on a wide variety of roles across the venues from welcoming visitors; to transporting athletes; to helping out behind the scenes in the technology team to make sure the results get displayed as quickly and accurately as possible.

Games Makers come from a diverse range of communities and backgrounds, from across the UK and abroad. The vast majority are giving up at least 10 days to volunteer during the Games.

The role of a Games Maker can vary hugely. Games Makers may provide specialist skills such as medical, technical or sport, or be doing a more general role, like putting out signs for the marathon route or helping visitors find a venue.

Gemma originally applied when working for the national governing body of badminton – Badminton England. Games Makers went through a selection process, and where allocated roles by the LOCOG volunteer and sport specific teams. Once selected, Games Makers have to attend at least three training days. This includes role-specific training, where they will learn all they need to know to carry out their role successfully and also have the opportunity to try out the duties they’ll be doing at Games time. They will then receive venue-specific training which will familiarise volunteers with their venue.

Gemma explained that her role is a field of play attendant for the badminton at Wembley Arena during the first week of the Olympic Games only: “With badminton being my main sport (I play for a local team and county) and working in sports development for nearly five years I am very excited to have the privilege to be part of the Olympics and especially the badminton competition. I will be one of the team responsible for servicing a single court within the badminton field of play – specifically to mop the playing surface when instructed to do so by the attending umpire.

“Sitting courtside, I will be lucky enough to be watch the best badminton players in the world battle it out for Olympic gold! And hopefully see some British players follow their dream! Having worked for Badminton England, I know some of these players want this more than ever, to help put Britain on the map as one of the best badminton nations!”