MORE than 20 organisations have joined forces in Dorset to orchestrate the smooth running of the sailing competition and associated events for the London 2012 Games.

A series of working groups in the county, collectively known as the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Group, have the responsibilities of transport, visitors, culture, health and safety, communications, safety and security and volunteering.

Key contacts for each of the groups will be bringing insight to their activities through a weekly column in the Dorset Echo.

Here’s Sarah Kennedy – member of the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Team – leading the official local 2012 volunteer scheme, the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme.

IT’S ALL systems go ahead of the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador Programme (WPA) launch later this month.

With the final touches being added to the application process, the ‘to do’ list is getting smaller and the excitement is brewing.

London 2012 prides itself on being ‘everyone’s Games’ and WPA is no exception.

We recently completed an Equality Impact Assessment, which will help us ensure that local people from all walks of life are encouraged to get involved and be part of WPA.

As well as promoting equality and diversity we’re really trying to keep in line with the London 2012 pledge of being the ‘greenest Games’ to date.

With this in mind we are encouraging WPA hopefuls to submit their applications online and keep paper copies to a minimum.

Not only is our online application form quick, easy and free it also helps us help the planet.

Our local libraries are assisting with our sustainability remit by offering free internet access and assistance for people who want to apply online – all you need is a valid email address.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been talking to as many people as we can about the programme and as well as working with other local volunteer organisations we’ve also met with interested groups across the county including students from Weymouth College, the Dorset Forum for Equality and Diversity and managers from Dorset’s Tourist Information Centres.

In between preparations for the WPA launch we’ve also started pulling plans together for the WPA test event coming up this July.

We are aiming to use 30 WPA hopefuls to trial out our training, operational delivery and management processes ahead of 2012 – watch this space.

Lastly, if you are interested in being ‘the welcoming smile in 2012’ and think you’ve got what it takes to be a Weymouth and Portland Ambassador then look out later this month for details of how to get involved . . . Be Inspired, Be part of it!