RESEARCHING VOLUNTEER LEGACY AT THE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES:
Vancouver 2010 and London 2012

Dr Angela M Benson, Principal Lecturer in Tourism

Monday, 18th February 2013, 5.30-6.30pm
Greynore Hall, Darley Road, Eastbourne Campus

Research in association with Dr Tracey J Dickson, Professor Deborah A Blackman, Professor Simon Darcy and Anne Terwiel

Volunteers are an essential component of the operation of many sport events from local community sport clubs to international mega events, with volunteering being part of the discourse on legacy from the latter, particularly in their contribution to social capital and social inclusion.  

Consequently, research was undertaken to understand the ‘who, why and will they do it again’ at both the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Therefore, this presentation will discuss ‘edited highlights’ around the concept of legacy; where this research contributes to and expands upon the literature; the challenges of research design; Vancouver 2010 findings; London 2012 findings, in particular the LOCOG initiative of targeting volunteers (Games Makers) with disabilities.

This research is aimed at informing future mega sporting events on how best to manage volunteers and how to maximise the volunteering legacy for hosting communities and organisations.