MORE than 20 organisations have joined forces in Dorset to orchestrate the smooth running of the sailing competition and associated events for the London 2012 Games.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been described in organisation and resource terms as ‘the largest single project undertaken in the UK for over 70 years.’

A series of working groups in the county, collectively known as the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Group, have the responsibilities of transport, visitors, culture, health and safety, communications, safety and security and volunteering.

Key contacts for each of the groups are bringing insight to their activities through a weekly column in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetforyou.com/London2012.

Here’s Sarah Kennedy, who is leading on the official local 2012 volunteer scheme the Weymouth and Portland Ambassador (WPA) programme. WHY apply to become a Weymouth and Portland Ambassador?

There are a whole host of reasons, such as gaining new skills, knowledge and experience (whilst developing existing ones), enhancing CVs, improving employment prospects, meeting new people and making new friends.

Becoming a Weymouth and Portland Ambassador grants you all of the above and so much more... The UK last hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 1948, so unless you are willing to wait another 64 years for the biggest show on Earth to visit our home shores, now is the perfect time to get involved.

If you are successful in your application to become a Weymouth and Portland Ambassador you will be part of a local team, of up to 800, and part of a larger, UK-Wide team of 12,000, with Weymouth and Portland Ambassadors being the largest programme outside London.

All 12,000 ambassadors will have the same London 2012-branded uniform with the location specific logos as the only difference.

Once successful in your application, trained and accredited, you will receive your official London 2012-branded uniform.

Weymouth and Portland Ambassador uniforms will consist of two polo shirts, one fleece, one waterproof jacket, one water bottle and one rucksack.

With only a limited number of Weymouth and Portland Ambassador uniforms being produced, you will own an official piece of the London 2012 brand – yours to keep forever as a reminder of what you did for our Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

So what are you waiting for?

Applications are open now until Monday March 5, 2012. Visit www.dorsetforyou.com/london2012/wpa or your local library for more information and to apply.

Be Inspired, Be Part of It!