Sainsbury's 2012 School Games : We're here to 'Make It Happen'

There are hundreds of people working hard behind the scenes to make the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games happen. Here we introduce you to some of the key roles staff working on the Games are responsible for.

Today we spoke to Helen Killingley who is charged with looking after the hundreds of volunteers who are vital to ensure the Games run smoothly.

SG: Helen, can you tell us more about your role for the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games?

HK: My role is to manage the volunteer programme which involves a huge range of people coming from across the UK and the world to work at the Games. I, along with a fantastic team from many organisations, have been making sure all these individuals are trained and deployed into their roles to make the event the best it can possibly be!

SG: Tell us more about the volunteering programme at the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games.

HK: Over 600 volunteers have been recruited from over 1,500 applicants. By the time the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games start, all these volunteers will be fully trained and deployed to help enhance the experience of the athletes. The Games offers a chance for volunteers to learn and gain valuable experience. Collectively they will contribute over 10,000 volunteer hours to the event.

SG: What can volunteers expect when they work at the Games?

HK: The Games will be full of excitement and energy. It's a great chance to meet new people, make new friends and learn new skills. Events come with peaks and troughs so be prepared to have some busy periods as well as quiet ones.

SG: Great advice. Which element of the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games are you most looking forward to?

HK: Obviously the Olympic Park will be a great experience but I also can't wait to have so many sports all under one roof in the ExCeL Centre. To me, that's what it's all about!

SG: Do you have a message for any young people who have been selected to volunteer?

HK: If there was one bit of advice I would give to any volunteer it's to get involved. The more energy and enthusiasm you have the more opportunities and fun you can create for yourself.

Volunteering is a great platform to get involved professionally in sport and events, that's how I started and now I've come back to offer other volunteers that chance too.

Wheelchair fencer, Gabby Down has been selected by the British Paralympic Association to compete for ParalympicsGB at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

As the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games competitors prepare to head over to the Olympic Park for the final day of competition tomorrow, day three of the event saw the athletes wave goodbye to ExCeL London in style.