TWO former addicts are set to work as volunteers at the Olympics after battling to get clean.

John Barry and Ryan Dunne have both recently completed a course called Personal Best at Weymouth College. Students on the course also work towards a Level 1 Award in Preparation for Event Volunteering – with the aim to eventually get them back into full employment.

The course covers a variety of topics including teamwork, public safety, volunteering, basic fire awareness, conflict resolution and customer relations.

Volunteering placements form part of the programme and successful candidates will be guaranteed an interview for a position of Games Time Volunteer at the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth and Portland.

John, aged 40, who lives in Weymouth, said: “The thought of being involved in the Olympics has definitely been a huge incentive for me. The course has been such a help with my alcoholism.

“It gives me purpose and keeps me busy.

“I’ve thrown myself into volunteering working for lots of charities.

“I’ve also been encouraged and helped by Personal Best in other ways.

“I now have self esteem and self worth and I am planning to come back to the college in September to take a plumbing course.

“I’m very positive about my future.”

Ryan, 32, from Weymouth, began drinking and taking drugs when he was 14.

He entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic last December and then began doing voluntary work and getting involved in courses to increase his chances of getting a full-time job.

Ryan said: “Personal Best has been the next step in improving my confidence and skills.

“Not long ago I was at a point where I wanted to die but I’ve been clean and sober now for 10 months.

“Courses like this one give my life structure, purpose, routine and something to focus on.”

He added: “It’s a privilege to get involved with the organisations that Personal Best introduces me to and I’m being inspired to find a future career path. Being involved in the Olympics would be a great experience.”

Personal Best adviser James Reeve said that the first course to be held in Dorset was extremely successful. He is now looking for people to sign up to the second course.

He said: “Potential recruits are referred to me by organisations but individuals can also contact me direct if they feel they can commit to the programme.

“To take part they need to be unemployed, not in education or training and have qualifications below Level 2.

“A criminal record is not a barrier and of course everyone who completes the course will be guaranteed an interview for a position of Games Time Volunteer at the Olympics.”

Call Mr Reeve on 07545 206672.