From Loughborough to Rio: John Sleath tells where volunteering can take you

It's the little things in life that can have the biggest impact on others. For instance, buying someone a coffee or simply having a conversation with an older relative. But one of the things that can transform the lives of those who do it and those who are impacted by it is volunteering.

Particularly prominent in sport and physical activity, volunteers dedicate their time, patience and enthusiasm to help others get the same feelings that they get. For John Sleath, he couldn't really give any more time if he tried.

Having volunteered locally in Loughborough, he has in recent years seen volunteering take him to the biggest sporting events the world has ever seen; the Olympics. From London to Rio and back, Sleath has quite a story to tell and wants to inspire the next generation of volunteers.

"I was fortunate to be a GamesMaker in London (2012 Olympics) so I spent my time going to lots of events, working on the Olympic Park and meeting many wonderful people from all around the world. I've gone on to do the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and by then I had friendships with other volunteers on Facebook, so we met up there. I've also done the Rugby World Cup when it was in Leicester."

Although volunteering is primarily in your own area due to time, finances and a range of other factors, Sleath decided to venture just a little bit further for his latest role.

"I'm not long back from the Rio 2016 Games. It was so different to London but there were so many more friends to share it with. It was an experience that money cannot buy."

Many volunteers across Britain have been involved for decades in one way or another, and not all have been able to work at the prestigious events that Sleath has. For those who might be looking to give their time in the future, the advice is clear.

"The main piece of advice I would give is just go for it. Seize the day, don't sit back and think that you wish you could have done it. You've got opportunities so grab them with both hands, because those opportunities will never come again."

So what makes a good volunteer a great one? "I think it's somebody who is flexible, has good communication and wants to do what they can to give to the occasion. There are things to get out of it, because you can meet the athletes which is nice. What you should really be saying beforehand is 'what can I contribute?', because everybody can contribute something."

The full interview with John Sleath will be available on our YouTube page – lrsport1.