Fancy Carrying Usain’s Bag?

Here’s an opportunity to get involved in the run-up to the Olympics.

With the likes of Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Carmelita Jetta heading to Birmingham next summer, a search has been launched for hundreds of volunteers to work with gold medal hopefuls in the build-up to the Olympic Games.

Birmingham will host training camps for the track and field athletes from both the USA and Jamaica, meaning many of the favourites for gold in London will complete their Olympic preparations here. The Americans will train at the new-look Alexander Stadium, while the Jamaican camp will be based at the University of Birmingham.

Organisers have now launched a new website – www.birminghamourgames.co.uk – to recruit an army of volunteers and ensure the smooth running of two of the highest profile 2012 training camps. Roles to be filled include stewarding, community liaison, stadium stewards and bag carriers.

Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, Cllr Martin Mullaney, describes the news as “a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a part in what we all hope will be the biggest and best Olympic Games of all time.

“Volunteers are the ‘lifeblood of sport’ and it’s only thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers that we can successfully deliver a wide range of sporting events and activities across the city.”

University of Birmingham Director of Sport, Zena Wooldridge, added: “There’s already a real buzz at the University and I think this deal offers a great opportunity of a real connection between Birmingham and the Olympic Games.

To register as a volunteer, go to www.birminghamourgames.co.uk The website also lists sporting and community events to be hosted in Birmingham in the build-up to next summer’s Games, with individuals and organisations invited to list their own events. Volunteers who support at least three events/activities in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics will be guaranteed an interview to be part of the Olympic Training Camp volunteer workforce.