Coventry Ambassadors Uniform Launch
16th March 2012
Ringing endorsement for new uniform
The uniform to be worn by Coventry’s army of volunteers during the Olympics has been unveiled – and it has been given a ringing endorsement.
Hundreds of volunteers called Coventry Ambassadors, recruited to welcome visitors to the city during London 2012, will wear the eye-catching clothing.
The distinctive uniforms are designed to ensure Coventry Ambassadors stand out when they are posted at key city centre locations, as well as surrounding the City of Coventry Stadium, during Games-time in July and August.
Each Ambassador will be issued with a brightly coloured polo shirt sporting the Coventry Ambassadors logo, a weatherproof jacket, a water bottle, baseball cap and a Coventry 2012 pin badge. Team leaders will also receive a branded back pack.
London and the other co-host cities across the country all launched the uniforms for Ambassadors in their respective cities today (Friday, March 17).
Triple Olympian David Moorcroft was joined in Coventry by football legend Steve Ogrizovic, 2012 hopeful and Coventry University scholarship athlete Rowena Cole as well as Coventry City Council leader John Mutton for the unveiling outside Coventry railway station.
Cllr Mutton said: “This is one of the biggest post-war volunteer recruitment drives the city has ever seen and it is a great example of organisations and individuals working together for the good of the city.
“The Coventry Ambassador uniforms look great and they will ensure our army of volunteers really stands out from the crowd.
“The Ambassadors will serve as a valuable source of information and guidance for residents as well as visitors to Coventry during one of the most exciting times in the history of the city.”
More than 500 volunteers have applied to be team leaders, linguists and ambassadors as part of the Coventry Ambassadors scheme which is funded by Coventry City Council, and is a partnership programme delivered by Coventry University and supported by Voluntary Action Coventry and CSW Sport.
Lydia Otubanjo, a student at Coventry University, was one of those to apply.
“I wanted to get involved in the Coventry Ambassadors project because I am a student ambassador at Coventry University and I’m also really sporty,” she said.
“I originally applied to be a London 2012 Games Maker, but this was another good opportunity to be part of the Games.
“I’m looking forward to being able to help everyone get around and showing people the sights of Coventry.
“I really like the colours of the uniform, they compliment each other really well. I think it’s fabulous!”
Applicants needed to be over 18 from January 1, 2012 and either live, work, study or volunteer in Coventry.
Following the extensive interview and selection process, the first active assignment for the Coventry Ambassadors will come on Monday, April 23 when Coventry will host an Olympic Football Qualification Play-Off match between Senegal and an Asian team at the Ricoh Arena, which will be renamed the City of Coventry Stadium for the duration of the Games.
For more details visit www.coventry.gov.uk/coventryambassadors
Picture caption (l/r): Steve Ogrizovic, CCFC, John Mutton, Coventry City Council, Lydia Otubanjo, Coventry Ambassador, Rowena Cole, London 2012 hopeful and David Moorcroft, triple Olympian.
