Canada Games Needs 5,000 Volunteers
The Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society is looking for 5,000 people to share in the excitement of delivering the Games in February 2011.
The host society launched its volunteer recruitment campaign today, Feb. 10.
"Nova Scotia has a long, impressive history of hosting major national and international events," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Volunteers are at the core of those events and I'm confident that Nova Scotians will step up again and get in the Games."
Five-thousand planning, pre-Games, and Games-time volunteers will fill roles ranging from transportation, IT, medical and media support, ceremonies and venue operations. The host society already has 527 planning volunteers.
Volunteers will be screened and asked to commit at least 24 hours over the two-week Games period.
"The backbone of this national event, the heart beat of its success, will be the women and men who step-up to serve as volunteers," said Keith Ashfield, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Minister. "The Games give Nova Scotians an opportunity to directly support and participate in a major sporting initiative that will benefit their community, their province and our country."
Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly called it the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Volunteering for the Games is a chance for individuals and organizations to be a part of history and to demonstrate the talent and hospitality that flourishes in HRM," said Mr. Kelly.
Jean-Paul Deveau, Chair of the 2011 Games, said volunteers are the heart of the Canada Games experience.
"The 5,000 volunteers we're looking for will be true ambassadors for Nova Scotia," said Mr. Deveau. "Their combined experience will form a great human legacy that will remain long after 2011."
Atlantic Lottery is the presenting sponsor of the Games volunteer program, providing care and comfort with volunteer lounges at Games venues.
People interested in volunteering who will be at least 14 years old by Feb. 1, 2011 can apply online at www.canadagames2011.ca/volunteer. The application process takes 15 minutes.
The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event held in Nova Scotia and Halifax's first Canada Winter Games. From Feb. 11 to 27, 2011, more than 2,700 athletes will compete in more than 20 sports, attracting thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media.
Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, the Canada Games are a key event in the development of Canada's young athletes, producing the next generation of national, international and Olympic champions.