Your chance to take part in the Olympics

FOR many Oldhamers going to the Olympic Games in London in two years time would be nothing short of a dream come true.

But going there as a volunteer helper could actually be a life-changing experience — and the chance to do exactly that in 2012 has just received a boost.

Members of the Oldham Business Leadership Group (OBLG) will raise funds to help pay for the costs of anyone chosen to join the army of volunteers needed to make sure the games are a success — but you will have to be quick to be in with a chance.

The deadline for applying is midnight on October 27.

All you have to do to register your interest in becoming a volunteer is to log on to the London 2012 website: www.london2012.com

Applicants will then have to go through a regional selection process — again there will be local help to assist anyone who needs it — and the most appropriate volunteers will then be selected as ‘Games Makers’.

Successful Games Makers, have to pay their own travel and accommodation costs as well as give their time for free during the Games which take place in the summer of 2012.

Dave Benstead, chair of OBLG said: “We want as many people as possible from Oldham to have the opportunity to benefit from taking part in the 2012 Olympics but we recognise the financial commitment may be putting people off applying.

“Our commitment means that anyone from Oldham can now apply with the knowledge that if they are successful we will support them by helping raise funds to cover their costs.”

The Games runs from July 27-August 12.