A TOWN hall officer is swapping the borough’s Victorian halls for the ultra-modern Olympic Stadium.
Richard Batterby is one of the London 2012 Olympic Games volunteers – and he’ll be greeting dignitaries, athletes and spectators at the Olympic Park.
Richard is an audience and business development officer for Kirklees Council, working at the borough’s town halls and is responsible for booking shows.
But this summer he will use his annual leave to be an Olympic volunteer.
Richard, 37, said: “My role is going to be in the events services team so it’s a front of house role and involves me meeting and greeting people from the athletes to customers and visiting VIPs.
“I know I’ll be working within the Olympic Park but don’t yet know which venue.”
Richard has committed to up to 15 days volunteering for the Games, something he described as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
“I cannot wait for it, it’s going to be such an exciting time and a great opportunity,” he added.
“It is costing me about £1,000 because I need to pay travel and accommodation, but I feel it’s worth it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I’ve always wanted to do.
“I’m passionate about sport and have a swimming background, so it’s something I can’t wait to be involved in.”
Richard, who swam for York City when he was younger, is something of a sporting fan – he attended the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and even flew to the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
He has managed to secure tickets for London 2012 athletics, which he’ll fit in around his volunteering role.
“As soon as I heard London had been awarded the Olympics back in 2005 I said then that I wanted to be involved,” he added.
“When the volunteering opened two years ago I signed up and applied to work in the events team.
“I’ve been on one training day and I get my rota through in the next few weeks.
“I’m taking holiday to do it but work have been supportive about it. I’ll be learning new skills to bring back to the council”.
