For Kerry Anderson, the Sydney Summer Olympic Games have set the stage for countless opportunities. There is the chance to witness world-class competition and entertainment. To see triumph and defeat. To hear deafening applause and watch spectacular ceremonies, not to mention fireworks.

Most importantly, however, said the member of the Ryde Ward, Sydney Australia Parramatta Stake, there is an opportunity for service.

Like many Latter-day Saints here, Sister Anderson has picked up a symbolic Olympic torch and is sharing its light with others as an Olympic volunteer. Members are driving courtesy cars, performing in the opening and closing ceremonies, volunteering time at the Olympic village, or working at press centers. Others are opening their homes — free of charge — to the families of Olympic athletes.

Sister Anderson is working as a volunteer spectator services host.

She and about 700 other volunteers, at any given time, are helping visitors locate Olympic venues, checking tickets, directing spectators to their seats and looking at accreditation passes at security entrance points.

"I know that not everything will run smoothly, but if I can do my best to help our visitors find where they need to go and get the most from their time here, then I have done my job well," said the fourth-generation Australian. "I know Heavenly Father has blessed me with a talent to talk freely with people and to be enthusiastic about serving others."

Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy and president of the Australia/New Zealand Area, said many members in Sydney, like Sister Anderson, are using the Olympics as an opportunity to give service.

Take, for example, John W. Bailey III.

Years ago, Brother Bailey of the Dural Ward, Sydney Australia Greenwich Stake, read a letter from Church leaders urging members to get involved in their communities. Since then he has dedicated countless hours to community projects.

During the Olympics, Brother Bailey, a former regional representative, stake president and mission president who is currently a member of Australia's national public affairs council, is working as the press conference supervisor at the Aquatic Center. In a country where swimming is the most popular sport, the appointment denotes the great respect Olympic organizers have for Brother Bailey.

Owner of Australia's largest tax consulting firm, Brother Bailey has had several opportunities to talk during the Olympics about the Church and his missionary experience. "That's why it is important to be seen in the community," he said. "What a great time for Australia, and it is so wonderful to be a part of it."

Linda Watch of the Parramatta Ward, Sydney Australia Parramatta Stake, echoed Brother Bailey's remarks, noting that volunteer efforts by Church members will help raise the status of the Church in the area. "I think it is important to be friendly to people; it is all part of being a member of the Church," she said.

Church members, she added, make great volunteers because they are trained to help people and to share their enthusiasm with others.

Tamasin Howard, 13, of the Baulkham Hills Ward, Sydney Australia Greenwich Stake, had plenty of enthusiasm to share during the Olympics as a singer and dancer in the opening ceremony.

"There was a sea of lights from the torches that the audience had," she said. "There were cameras flashing and the whole stadium was cheering and I thought, 'Wow, this is big!' "

Tamasin had spent months preparing for the event. Rehearsals were long and hard. She could not tell anyone about her dance routine and song — not even her family.

But she met friends from all over. With them she felt the excitement of the Olympic spirit — which brings nations of the world together in one common cause.

"All the time and effort were worth it because I am proud of my country and I felt like I was helping out along with the thousands of others in making the Olympics a success," she said.