FROM Bolton town centre to beach volleyball at the Olympics.

A Churchgate office worker has spent a week soaking up the atmosphere at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ramona Mulligan, aged 44, from Adecco Recruitment, was chosen to volunteer with the events team at the beach volleyball, being staged at Horse Guards Parade.

The native Californian, who has worked for the town centre firm for eight years, was delighted to meet the women’s USA team during a practice session before their winning match against Spain.

She said: “I got to watch them play after my shift. It was the most amazing match I had ever seen.

“It was incredible and I left with tears of joy.

“The atmosphere is absolutely amazing. It’s just great to be a part of it. There’s music and congas, it’s one big party.”

The dedicated volunteer has been hard at work stewarding and helping out during 10-hour shifts after applying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In June 2009, she had attended an event where Olympics-chief, Lord Sebastian Coe, gave a talk.

Mrs Mulligan, who moved to England in 2004, said: “At the end we had a question-and answer-session. I asked him what we could do as individuals to support the Olympic and Paralympic Games and make it successful.

“He said: “Volunteer. Volunteer for your local community, help the youth, promote sport and, if you get the chance, volunteer for the games. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and you will never forget it.”

This inspired Mrs Mulligan to get involved with Bolton Lads and Girls Club and she completed a 23-mile hill walk and 10km Great Manchester Run to raise money for the club. Adecco, where Mrs Mulligan works as a principal recruitment consultant, provides staff for London 2012 and finds employment for the athletes after the games.

Two years ago, employees were offered the chance to apply to become volunteers at the games. Mrs Mulligan said: “I jumped at the chance. I was so inspired by what Lord Coe said and I really wanted to do this.

“I was one of 50 volunteers selected out of hundreds of applicants.”

She completed six shifts at the Olympic Games, returning home to husband Kirk in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, on Sunday.

She will go back to London at the end of the month to volunteer for seven shifts during the Paralympic Games.