BOTTLE's director Carole Scott explains how she spent her time as a London 2012 Games Maker 

Two weeks after working as a Games Maker at London 2012, BOTTLE Director, Carole Scott, has declared her intention to learn Brazilian Portuguese and travel to Rio.

Carole acted as a volunteer reporter for Village Life, the daily Athletes’ newspaper. The full colour, eight page publication was produced every day for 20 days, starting two days before the opening ceremony. For many athletes – particularly those who are unlikely to win medals or make the finals – being featured in the paper was a key souvenir to take home.

“I was one of just 12 people to get this role,” explains Carole, “so was a real coup to be part of such a tight knit team.”

Two editors (Andrew Shields, Susannah Cooper) and four designers were the backbone of the team and have been with LOCOG for a number of years, as part of an Editorial Services team that produced circa 2,000 publications for the Games. All copy had to be translated into French before the paper could be submitted for approval, proofed and then sent off to the printers each night by midnight.

Carole pays tribute to the professional team: “They were amazing. I was also thrilled that when I suggested including an interview with a Games Maker each day, they took the idea on board and it made it as a staple part of the news.”

Carole interviewed athletes from all over the world, from countries as diverse as Bhutan and the Bahamas. According to feedback from the Editor, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) the team set an exceptionally high standard for Games to meet in future.

Carole says that her time as a Games Maker will be an experience she’ll never forget. “I’ve since signed up to be a Sports Maker, as I’d really like to be involved in helping children be more active. And I’m definitely going to have a go at Portuguese – whether it’s as a volunteer or as a spectator, I’m keen to be in Rio 2016!”