London 2012 purple volunteers now in Rio yellow

AT London 2012, purple-clad volunteers dubbed the Games Makers became synonymous with a cheerful, upbeat and inclusive Olympic Games.

Now, four years on, many of those volunteers, who did so much for those Olympics, have reprised their roles in Rio de Janeiro.

Hundreds of Brits have flown to Brazil to volunteer for a whole range of tasks to ensure the two-week sporting spectacular runs smoothly.

Among them is Wendy Sayers, from Crynant in the Dulais Valley north of Neath.

The 54-year-old healthcare worker helped out at the equestrian events at Greenwich Park in 2012, and this time around has been assigned to hockey.

“The atmosphere out here is fantastic, there is such excitement everywhere,” Wendy said.

“The Brazilian people have been amazingly welcoming and cannot do enough to help us. If they see us looking lost or a bit confused they stop and try to help us.

“Although the language is difficult we have not had any problems making ourselves understood and often they will find us someone who speaks a little English, that together with our little bit of Portuguese gets us through – and a very helpful speak and translate app on our phones.”

Wendy said she thinks there are about 1,000 British volunteers in Brazil’s second-largest city, the first in South America to host the Games.

Many, like Wendy, got a taste for volunteering four years ago and jumped at the chance to repeat their roles this time around.

“I have always volunteered in my sport of carriage driving/equestrian but London 2012 was my first large sporting event and I loved it,” she said.

“As I was born in London it meant a huge amount to me to be part of our home games, although I thought at the time it was going to be a once-ina-lifetime opportunity.

“When our Games were over I wanted the chance to continue to help at large events and there is nothing larger than the Olympics, so when volunteer registration opened I signed up straight away.

“My role here is Hockey Field of Play Team Member. It is an operational role and hence I get to wear the yellow uniform, which is fantastic and I love it.

“My role is back-of-house and as I enjoy it I am working with the access control team, ensuring the security of the athletes, making sure that only people with the correct accreditation are in the area, providing information and directions and generally smiling, which is not difficult at all. I can also assist with welcoming the teams and assisting on team benches.”

Wendy added: “It is a bit different to London 2012, but all the venues look amazing and everyone involved is dedicated to making this an amazing experience.”