Yesterday marked exactly two years until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the opening of the London 2012 Volunteer Programme, seeking to recruit up to 70,000 volunteers or 'London 2012 Games Makers'.

Pre-identified people wanting to become a London 2012 Games maker can now apply for specialist positions such as doctors, anti-doping personnel and scoreboard operators. 

Applications for the more numerous generalist roles that include ticket checking, uniform distributors and staffing helpdesks and information points will open on 15 September 2010. 

The programme’s presenting partner is McDonald’s.  From today people can also sign up to be a London ambassador to help guide the millions of visitors who will travel to London for the Games around and enjoy a truly memorable stay in the capital. The scheme, devised by the Mayor of London, aims to recruit 8,000 London ambassadors who will be located at key points across the city – including transport hubs, outside Games venues and at popular visitor spots.

LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe said: "There are two years to go until the Olympic Games begin and we want everyone to start planning their once-in-a-lifetime experience in 2012.  We are well on track – the venues are nearing completion and our plans are coming together.  Now it’s the public’s turn.  How will you spend the summer of 2012?  Whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a volunteer, being part of our education or culture programmes – there are hundreds of ways you can get involved.  Don’t wait, to ensure you don’t miss out, start planning your Games now."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson added: "Today we enter another new phase of London 2012 – bringing the Great British public on board. Volunteers are the heartbeat of every Olympic and Paralympic Games and are crucial to their success. We need skilled and passionate people who have the commitment to make 2012 the best Olympic and Paralympic Games ever."