ACTIVE GLOUCESTERSHIRE has launched its Leadership and Volunteering Programme to support the running of the 2014 Sainsbury’s School Games in Gloucestershire.

A fantastic first year in 2013 saw nearly 100 young people volunteering their time to support the initiative as a School Games Maker – the equivalent of the enormously popular group who helped London 2012 run so smoothly.

The Schools Games Makers were trained and deployed across a range of sports and roles at last year’s events including: media team, event stewards, sports officials, welcome committee and at the opening ceremony held at Gloucester Cathedral.

One of those School Games Makers was Ellie Ramsey from Cirencester Kingshill School, who said: “Not only did it give me a chance to develop my skills as a leader and officiator but it also allowed me to develop some great friendships, meet like-minded people and be involved in a large scale sports event.”

Kirsty Dunleavy, School Games lead for Active Gloucestershire who organises the games, said: “The School Games Makers last year were fantastic!

“This year we hope that even more young people will see the fantastic opportunity that is open to them. This is not just for sporty people, there is a need for volunteers with skills and qualities in a huge range of things: photography, journalism, refereeing, event management, marketing, media etc.

“They can be from any school, college or university, from any background, anywhere in the county, have a disability or not, as long as they are passionate, dedicated and willing to get involved.”

One of the key events held in the area next year will be the Summer Games Watersports Festival at South Cerney on Wednesday, June 11, in which students compete in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Any young person aged 14 years plus can apply to be a School Games Maker. If successful they will be required to attend a training day at Hartpury College on Saturday, February 8.

Application forms are available from schools, colleges, and universities or from www.activegloucestershire.org.

They must be posted or emailed to Kirsty Dunleavy at Active Gloucestershire Ltd, 8 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QS or kirstydunleavy@activegloucestershire.org. Deadline for applications is Monday, January 6.