Student Profiles
Claire Smith, Games Maker
My name’s Claire and I’m currently studying MSc Project Management. I was selected to be a Venue Entry Team Member at the White Water Centre in Lee Valley. I was very pleased to be involved in London 2012!
Andrew Bontiff, Olympic and Paralympic News Service Coordinator
My name’s Andrew Bontiff and I’m studying Sports Journalism at UEL. Having volunteered last summer at two Olympic Test Events I really got a taste of what it would be like to work with the Olympic News Service, and this summer my dream came true. Ever since London won the bid I’ve dreamed of being involved in some way and this opportunity of a lifetime was a great start to my career. As someone from east London I’m so proud to have worked on London 2012!
Abduley Santo, Capture the Event
I am currently studying International Business at UEL. I worked as a Souvenir Photo Sales Assistant for Capture the Event. This has been a truly exciting and demanding experience. In performing this role I was able to develop my communication and negotiation skills as well as develop my work experience. This role at the London 2012 Games meant that I was apart of a once in a life time event which makes it extra special.
Freyja Gillard, Dancer, Opening Ceremony/ Capture the Event
I am currently studying Media and Creative Industries at UEL. I was lucky enough to have two roles in the Olympics. Firstly, I was a volunteer performer in the Opening Ceremony. I played a roller skating nurse in the NHS section. Being part of the Opening Ceremony was probably one of the best things I've ever done. Secondly, I secured a role with Capture the event, through the Employability and Enterprise Team’s (EET) Scheme where I worked in the Olympic Village providing Photographic Studio Customer Services support to spectators.
Jana Shodiva, Dancer, Paralympics Opening Ceremony
My name is Jana and I am studying Pharmacologyat UEL. I was fortunate to have been selected as a volunteer performer in the Paralympics Opening Ceremony. At this moment I am still not allowed to discuss the details yet as the surprise has to be saved until 29 August! I can’t wait, it has been sheer fun, learning a lot of choreographed dance moves, facial expressions and hands with body coordination in rhythm with the music.
Daniel á Lofti, Video Logger
I am Daniel, a Sports Journalism student at UEL. My role at the Olympics was working for OBS and IBC as a video logger. I was informed about this opportunity by a tutor and, after several days of training, two tests and an interview, I was selected out of hundreds of applicants. This opportunity meant the world to me.
Juan C. Orihuela, Team London Ambassador
My name’s Juan and I’m studying Media Studies with English Literature at UEL. I was selected as an Ambassador at the media centre during the Olympic Games. I was delighted to be a part of London 2012, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I met many other volunteers whom I had a lot in common with, especially our love London and the Olympics and we share a part in history.
Luciano Cipolla, Olympic Retail
My name’s Luciano Cipolla and I’m currently studying BA Computer Games Design at UEL. My role at the 2012 Olympics was selling official Olympic products. It was an exciting once in a lifetime opportunity and I was thrilled to be a part of the frenetic and enjoyable environment. I enjoyed experiencing the culture, sport and how competition united all the countries.
Chris Deacon, Sports Journalist for Team USA
I am a sports journalism student and I was assigned to cover Basketball, BMX and martial arts for team USA. Reporting for USOC Daily has further enabled my journalistic ambitions and it was incredible to be involved in one of the biggest sporting events in London, which was covered by the whole World.
Liz Lindell, Games Maker
I am Liz Lindell, and I am studying Special needs and Inclusive Education at UEL. I was so excited to be apart of the Olympics; my role in London 2012 was to help make Olympic venues a safer place. I heard about the volunteering position and thought of it as a great way to spend the summer. It is great to know that I played my part to support the athletes and help make the Games as good as they can be.
Joe Nerssessian, Sports Journalist for Team USA
I am currently a Sports journalism student and I was reporting for team USA on USOC daily. I focused on the women’s hockey and I was also given the amazing opportunity to cover the fast paced athletics events. This further enabled me to acquire experience in the journalism field which was personally important for to me to excel in.
Naomi Duffree, Team London Ambassador & Games Maker
I am Naomi, a BA Creative and Professional Writing student at UEL. I was selected as one of the ambassadors for Team London and a work room team member with press operations at the North Greenwich Arena at London 2012. It was a wonderful opportunity to be a part of history and to support London as a city and I’m proud to have been a volunteer at an event that brought so many people together.
Diana Parju, Liaison Officer
I am a second year media studies student. My role in the Olympics was as a liaison officer between the international teams and OBS. I felt this was a unique and culturally beneficial opportunity which enabled me to implement my language skills in a working environment. I feel it will generate future prospects which are media related in the future and it was fantastic to be involved in the greatest games hosted by London.
Maxine Beckford, Team London Ambassador
My name is Maxine and I am in the second year of my degree studying Psychosocial Studies.I was fortunate enough to have been selected as one of the ambassadors for Team London at the Olympic Games 2012. I was stationed at Hyde Park and my duties included helping visitors get into the Olympic stadium safely.
Zsanett Furka, Sports Journalist for Team USA
I am currently a Sports journalism student and my games-time role was reporting for Team USA on USOC Daily . My focal areas were swimming, diving and water polo. The OBS provided an amazing opportunity, that I felt enriched me for my future career prospects as well as my passion for the Olympics.
Melanie Ridley, Dancer, Opening Ceremony
My name's Melanie Ridley and I am currently in my third year at UEL studying Dance. After three auditions I was lucky enough to be selected to be a dancer in the Olympic Games opening ceremony. This was a once in a life time opportunity and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a part of it!
Dominique Hume, Sports Journalist for Team USA
I study Sports Journalism at UEL and I was assigned to report for team USA. I covered women’s football and mountain biking. I joined not just because of my love for sport but because of the political and social elements involved in the Olympics. I feel that this opportunity has personally involved me in the history of London and given me the chance to view a once in a lifetime event.
Charlotte Dutton, Dancer, Closing Ceremony
I’m Charlotte and I was awarded the role of ‘dancer’ at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic games. I’m studying Dance: Urban Practice at UEL, so I’m thrilled that I was of the people chosen to perform. It was one of the biggest events I’ve ever performed at and I put everything I’ve learned to the test in celebration of the Olympic ideals of Mind, Body and Spirit.
David Charnley, Sports Journalist for Team USA
I am a university graduate from UEL that studied sports journalism. I covered boxing and combative sport for Team USA. This opportunity was incredible to participate in so early on from graduating which I felt was a lifetime achievement both personally and academically. It felt amazing to be partaking in the greatest games on Earth in 2012.
