Guernsey’s sporting stars encourage people to sign up to help make Games great
Guernsey’s Commonwealth Games’ stars have backed the volunteer recruitment campaign for next year’s NatWest International Island Games.
Lucy Beere, Alastair Chalmers, and Abi Galpin encouraged anyone thinking about signing up as a volunteer to do so and be part of something special.
More than 1,000 people have now registered to become volunteers, and organisers are appealing for more to ensure that athletes and spectators have the best possible experience.
Commonwealth Games silver medalist and lawn bowler Lucy Beere said that volunteers were vital to the success of big sporting events.
‘Volunteering is so important for any sport, up in Birmingham without the volunteers the event wouldn’t have happened.
‘I’m going to have a look on the Guernsey 2023 website and see what I can volunteer for because although I’m not competing, I want to be involved.
‘It’s such an experience and who knows when we’re next going to host an Island Games?
‘If it’s a fraction of what it was like up in Birmingham it will really lift the whole island, and let’s just hope that everybody gets involved because it’s going to be great.’
Alastair Chalmers, who won Guernsey’s first ever track and field Commonwealth Games medal when he took bronze in the 400m hurdles, is aiming for a gold medal next year. He reinforced the message that volunteers are the heartbeat of the Games.
‘If you have an interest in sport then go for it because you’ll be so included in it, you could be track-side with all the athletes, and it’ll be a really good experience, I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it.
‘The Games can’t operate without volunteers, it’s important to have the help.
‘I’m from Guernsey and I want to end my Island Games career here, having enough volunteers around makes the Games move so much easier and smoother, it really does make an impact.’
More than 3,000 athletes and team members from 23 other islands will make it the biggest sporting event the island has ever hosted.
Sprinter Abi Galpin said the volunteers in Birmingham found it rewarding and enjoyable, and added to the fantastic atmosphere.
‘It’s a really great opportunity because not only do us athletes and spectators appreciate volunteers because they make the event run smoothly, but also I think it offers a really unique perspective.
‘By being a volunteer you get to see behind-the-scenes of the competition which is really interesting.
‘And you get to interact with athletes from all over the world, which I think is a special and unique experience.
‘I’ve seen videos from 2003, where the grass was completely packed and the stand was completely packed, and it would be such an amazing experience to get a taste of that and have the home crowd cheering us on.’
The deadline to register to become a volunteer is 30 September.
Although the organisers have surpassed their original target of 1,000, it is expected that many of the overseas applicants will drop out because of logistical challenges, such as finding accommodation.
Wayne Bulpitt, the Director of Volunteering for the Organising Committee for the NatWest International Island Games 2023, said more residents are needed to turn a good Games into a great Games.
‘It’s going to be a big moment in our island’s history and in order for it to be “wow” there needs to be a collective effort.
‘The feedback from Birmingham has been that the friendly and welcoming faces of the volunteers made it much more enjoyable.
‘Anyone can register to become a volunteer, so far the age range extends from 16 to the mid 80s.
‘Some people signed up to become volunteers when the event was due to take place in 2021.
‘We totally understand that personal circumstances can change and if people need to de-register they can do that through the website. That way we’ll have a more realistic number of sign-ups.’
Everyone who has registered an interest in becoming a volunteer will need to attend a timed slot, lasting a maximum of 90 minutes, on either Saturday 24 September or Sunday 2 October.
All volunteering positions will be confirmed in the autumn, and all volunteers will be asked to attend training and information sessions on Saturday 4 February, 1 April and 13 May.
You can sign up through www.guernsey2023.gg.
Volunteers need to be available for a minimum of four, six-hour shifts during the Games week, 8-14 July.
