The Olympic and Paralympic Games could not exist in any country without the unsung heroes of the games, the volunteers! 

Volunteer Paralympic Positions
Volunteer power makes the Olympic and Paralympic Games a success.  Volunteers fill needed roles at the venues and even staff temporary hospitals for both events.   Professionals, doctors and average citizens take two to eight weeks off of their full-time jobs to assist in making the games a success.  Volunteers are assessed months or even years before the Games for placement in many support roles.

For instance, if you have been an avid skier for decades you may be placed on the slopes as a gate attendant for the downhill skiing events.  Individuals with perfect driving records may have the opportunity to drive dignitaries and athletes from venue to venue.  

Come One, Come All to Volunteer
Olympic and Paralympic dreams are only possible because of the power of volunteer labor.  My wife and former Paralympian Muffy Davis is pictured (middle of front row, in wheelchair with our baby girl on her lap helping out) with a group of Parks and Recreation volunteers from Clemson University at the Vancouver Paralympics.

Muffy, along with tens of thousands of other volunteers, is working for free. Although some may qualify for room and board, all of the volunteers are there to help ensure that every two years there will be a successful and affordable Olympic and Paralympic Games.

How to Volunteer for Paralympics
If you have a specialty or just want to donate your time and would like to volunteer for the London Games, you should do so soon.  It is estimated that 70,000 volunteer Paralympic positions will need to be filled.  Sign up to make the games a success. 

If you can’t make it to London, Russia or Brazil, then volunteering for local competitions may be your ticket to watch Olympic- and Paralympic-caliber athletes in their events. 

Make a difference: volunteer!!

Photo courtesy Jeff Burley.