WITH the Olympics creeping closer, it’s not just athletes who are gearing up for the games.

Stewards have been busy getting qualifications so they can play their part as Weymouth and Portland host the sailing events of the biggest show on Earth.

A special awards evening at Athelhampton House recognised 20 people who have just completed their NVQ level two spectator qualification as part of the Volunteer Centre Dorset’s Train of Events programme.

Completing the programme, which is overseen by the South West Forum and funded by the Learning and Skills Council, means the successful students will be eligible to apply for stewarding roles in the Olympics.

Deputy manager of Volunteer Centre Dorset Craig Womble said the new wave of stewards had been working hard to gain their qualifications.

He said: “They have done a variety of events across the county, assisting at local football grounds and speedway grounds to get experience of crowd control, conflict solution and customer service.”

As well as sporting venues, the students have been cutting their teeth at a variety of events such as the Dorset County Show and local music festivals.

Mr Womble said they were using 2012 as a ‘hook’ to try and get more people to volunteer for roles such as stewarding but stressed the latest recruits would also be offering their services at events both before and after the games.

He said: “They will be volunteering at other events and some of them have already got close links with local clubs and organisations.”

With another 40 people about to take on the level two course, Mr Womble said the Olympics has certainly helped galvanise interest in becoming stewards.

He said one of the next aims is to try and get younger people more involved.

He said: “People on the course tend to be aged between 25 and about 60 and they are quite responsible.

“We want to start up a mentoring project for younger people.”

For more information visit volunteeringdorset.org.uk.