With the deadline to apply now passed, organisers are sifting through applications from all backgrounds and communities before choosing the 70,000 people who will get to be Games Makers.

The volunteering team at London 2012 will select dedicated and passionate people who are committed to going beyond their personal best and ensuring the Games are the best they can be.

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: "We're thrilled with the response we've had to date for our volunteering programme and would like to thank the 240,000 people who have pledged to give their time during the Games in 2012.

"Now we begin the task of finding the right people and ensuring that we match them to the most appropriate roles.

"This is a long process and will take time but we're asking people to be patient - this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is really worth it!"

Selection and interviews of short-listed applicants will take place from February 2011 to February 2012.

The Mayor of London is also running a separate volunteering programme and aiming to recruit up to 8,000 London Ambassadors to help and advise visitors who will travel to London during the Games.

The registration period for the Mayor's volunteering programme closes on December 31.

Worldwide Olympic Partner McDonald's is the Presenting Partner of the Volunteer Programme.


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