Push to reach 1,000 volunteers for Island Games
They will be ‘heart and soul’ of the event
A drive is on to reach the target of 1,000 volunteers that will help make the Natwest International Island Games 2023 a success.
So far around 660 people have registered.
When people sign-up at www.guernsey2023.gg they can specify an area or sport they wish to help if they have a preference, and the amount of time they can commit to.
Volunteers will need to be available for a minimum of four, six hour shifts during the Games week, 8-14 July.
Wayne Bulpitt, the director of volunteering for the organising committee, said the volunteers will be the heart and soul of the event.
‘The Games are run almost entirely by volunteers, so that’s why they are known as Games Makers, because without them there would be no Games,’ he said.
‘They play a vital part in making both the athletes’ and the spectators’ experience very special. It has been extremely encouraging to see that people of all ages and all walks of life have already been signing up.’
Katrina Bray has already registered to become a volunteer. She said she was looking forward to meeting new people and making memories.
‘It’s a real thrill to be involved in making such a big event happen,’ she said.
‘I’ll be able to say that I was there, and I was part of it. I’ll never be an athlete, so this is my opportunity to give back to the island.’
Organisers want to reach the target of 1,000 by the end of September.
There are a wide variety of roles.
These include marshals, car parking supervisors, medals coordinators, social media editors, catering assistants, administrators, and everything else in between to help the Games run smoothly.
Training will be provided, and all volunteers will receive a colourful and distinctive uniform, which will be unveiled in the coming months. Most of the roles do not require any formal experience or qualifications, just positivity and dedication.
One challenge, for example, is finding enough mini-bus drivers. The organisers are particularly keen to hear from anyone with a category D or D1 driving license.
Most of the volunteers will only be needed to work during the week itself, but some help is required immediately, for example in accommodation coordination, and office support.
The NatWest International Island Games 2023 will be the biggest sporting event the island has ever hosted. There are 24 islands taking part, and around 3,500 athletes and team members have indicated that they are coming.
People who register their interest in becoming a volunteer may have to undertake a vetting process, depending on the role. All applicants will have to attend a timed slot, lasting a maximum of 90 minutes, on either Saturday 24 September or Sunday 2 October.
Separate arrangements will be made for those unable to attend either of these days.
All volunteering positions will be confirmed in the autumn and people will be asked to attend training and information sessions on three dates next year – Saturday 4 February; 1 Saturday 1 April and Saturday 13 May.
Applicants need to be over the age of 16.
Some people may have already indicated to their own sports management that they want to volunteer, but it is important that they also register at www.guernsey2023.gg.
