Let’s maintain Athenians’ enthusiasm
The response to Athens Municipality’s call for a team of volunteers to help tourists during the Olympic Games exceeded official expectations. «Even now we’re still receiving applications for the volunteer program,» Lefteris Skiadas, president of the municipality’s Youth and Sport Organization, told Kathimerini. «The atmosphere is very positive, and the whole movement is really innovative. The response of the public shows they are genuinely interested in helping improve life in the city.» Already the first plans for post-Olympic volunteer programs in the municipality of Athens are in the final stages of preparation. «Our desire is to activate the public in every municipal ward and in as many fields as possible,» explained Skiadas. «For instance, there will be volunteer programs for children, the aged, athletics and culture – activities at all levels of social life, at both city level and neighborhood level.» The first messages from the 3,500 Athenians who offered their services voluntarily during the Games have been positive. «The survey we conducted of volunteers showed us that they want to continue. Just think, they didn’t want to leave their posts when their week was over! We want to maintain that enthusiasm and dedication.»
