I don’t expect to be given a role as a games maker at this stage in the day, but I do expect some communication from London 2012. If I am offered a role it will cost me the best part of £3000 in flights, accommodation, travel and living expenses.
I volunteered as a Games maker for the London Olympics 2 years ago. Since then I’ve been told I have an interview, moved to South Africa, had a telephone interview. Not been notified by April 30th as promised, instead sent an email on May 4th to say, please be patient ‘we’ll let you know by June 30th’.
During that time my application for the main games was withdrawn, it took until July 5th to have it reinstated. The same day I received another email to say ‘thanks for your patience we will be in touch’
Since then I’ve emailed to which I’ve only received an automated response and telephoned to ask for further info and to explain I’m based in South Africa, I need to book flights, accommodation all, if still available, at considerable cost to myself.
I’m not expecting a role, I’d just like to know what my situation is. On Friday 20th July, I was informed I’m one of about 100 people still waiting to be allocated a role and may get an offer of the Paralympics. Today 23rd July I’m told that the area I’ve been assigned to has been notified of my keenness and the unanswered emails have been addressed with the relevant department. I am now on my 3rd Case ID number since July 2nd.
The games maker zone has not been updated, I check regularly, that’s how I found out my application had been deleted. There is no contact.
I have now missed out on the opportunity to purchase tickets for the London 2012 Olympics as I could not afford to fly to the UK for the games and then either stay for 6 weeks if I got offered a role at the Paralympics or pay for a return flight should I be notified late in the day. My adult son in the UK is attending the technical rehearsal tonight with a ticket I was given as a sweetner.
I’m not expecting a role; I am concerned that I may have missed out on a role while my application showed as withdrawn. My husband has cancelled an important meeting in Europe due to the uncertainty of a role at the Olympics as we have no child care or family in South Africa and cannot afford to pay for the children to return to the UK at the same time.
I’ve had 600+ hits on this blog since 5th July. 163 hits on this blog since 20th July. Yet I get no response from London 2012. Can you help?
What a saga! Wish I could help but everyday there is another London2012 drama. Of course, I hope it all goes well, with no incident or accident.
ReplyDeleteSettling into life in SA must be very difficult, it's a curious mix of bureaucracy and optimism.
BW,
Lesley x.
At least here when someone says they'll get back to you, you dont even hold your breath as you know it won't happen
ReplyDeleteI think, at this stage, I'd be telling them to go **** themselves quite frankly!
ReplyDeletei am tempted to withdraw my application but then that gives them a good reason not to get back to me....even if they do contact me with an offer theres a 99% chance i'll follow up with your suggestion
DeleteCan't believe your patience!
ReplyDeleteoh my patience went a long time ago, ive moved through disappointment into anger, my desire to volunteer at the gmes now is no longer in me, i just want them to have the decency to say no thanks before the games actually start
DeleteHi chickenruby, I have been accepted as a Gamesmaker and have completed two shifts.
ReplyDeleteJust to give you another view, my experience and that of my fellow gamesmaker's have been the complete opposite of yours. We've had excellent communication all the way through the process - it really has been a surprise, it has been top class.
Sorry to hear your experience hasn't been so good. But I guess the reality is that it's not going to happen now, and even if it did, it would be hard and expensive for you. My suggestion would be to swallow up the hurt and anger and enjoy the games - otherwise you'll miss out twice?
I'm pleased everything is going well for you, I've heard far more negative storeys than positive ones. Iaccepted that I didn't have a role by april 30th and adjust withdrew my application on the second deadline date of june 30th. When I applied I was living in the uk. I'm not angry that I done have a role I'm disappointed that no one will just tell me whats going on. I'm assuming theyre keeping me hanging on in case people pull out, but without communication it doesn't bode well for the games if they end up short of games makers because they can't be bothered to keep in touch and explain what situation we are in. enjoy the games.
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