The Mayor of London today praised the ‘friendly army’ of Team London volunteers who are helping create a fantastic festival atmosphere by welcoming millions of visitors to the city throughout the Olympics and Paralympics.
The 8,000 strong team of Ambassadors and Games makers play a vital role in promoting all the exciting events across the city.The Mayor is aiming to build on the volunteering momentum with the appointment of a new Senior Adviser for Team London, Volunteering, Charities & Sponsorship.
Veronica Wadley, Former Editor of the Evening Standard and Chair of Arts Council, London, will help the volunteering legacy continue and focus on the skills and training that volunteer can gain through a wide range of opportunities.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: ‘Our army of volunteers have a huge passion for London and are a fantastic advert for us during the Games. Visitors are saying how friendly and welcoming our city is and I applaud the Ambassadors for helping create such a wonderful atmosphere. I want to build on this amazing energy by expanding our Team London volunteers and I’m confident that Veronica Wadley will be instrumental in delivering more opportunities to everyone interested in getting involved.
“Veronica has worked extensively with young people and is Trustee of The Mayor of London's Fund for Young Musicians and the Northern Ballet. She also advises the Greenhouse Schools Project, a charity which provides sport and dance programmes for teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds and is a Governor of the Yehudi Menuhin School.
Veronica Wadley, Team London Adviser said: “London is the most fantastic city, a super-city, with a great future. I have lived in London most of my life, I grew up here, I love it and am absolutely committed to it. The Mayor's mission to create jobs and growth will give great opportunities to young people. I will do all I can to make that happen. We want young people to be absolutely at the heart of this.”
Veronica will build on the successful projects of Team London including the Literacy champions helping children with reading. She will work closely with The Mayor's Fund charitable projects which boost education and support for children in boroughs with high depravation. She aims to harness the positive energy and enthusiasm we have seen during the Games and will explore what we can learn from the Mayor Bloomberg's New York City Service which now has over 2million volunteers.
Notes to editors
1. Team London is the Mayor’s ambitious programme to mobilise an army of volunteers across the capital to improve life in London through programmes that will reduce crime, increase opportunities for youth and improve quality of life by cleaning and greening London and building stronger neighbourhoods. Since 2008, the Mayor's programmes have galvanised tens of thousands of Londoners into action and Team London is now seeking to encourage an additional 10,000 volunteers by May 2012. Please visit www.london.gov.uk/teamlondon for more information
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