Volunteer for the world’s largest multi-sport event

Sydney 2009 World Masters Games organisers set to start recruiting.

The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games (10 - 18 October 2009) is just over a year away and the Organising Committee is about to start recruiting volunteers.

Shane O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Organising Committee, says that several thousand volunteers will be required to deliver the seventh edition of the world's largest multi-sport event that will attract competitors from more than 100 countries.

"Like any major event, the importance of volunteers to the Games is significant. We need to recruit nearly 6,000 volunteers, people who will be at the coal face and, for the most part, the main point of contact for competitors and spectators during the event," says Mr O'Leary.

Attracting such a significant number of volunteers will not be easy but Mr O'Leary is confident that the special nature of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games will prove extremely alluring.

"Games volunteers will gain immense satisfaction from contributing to the success of a history-making event. The Games are the largest multi-sport event in the world and it's the first time they are coming to Sydney. They are about participation, enjoyment and positive experiences – all of these things and more are what each and every volunteer can expect to receive," says Mr O'Leary.

Sydney 2009 World Masters Games volunteers will be well rewarded for their contribution with:

• Invitations to the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and Volunteer Thank You Function
• Official volunteer uniform and accreditation
• Official volunteer training and resources
  
• Meals and access to free public transport during the Games
  
• Access to prizes, giveaways and commemorative gifts
  
• Behind-the-scenes access and experiences

Mr O'Leary says that the considerable diversity of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games means that there will be a volunteer role to suit everyone.

"We need Games volunteers in a range of roles, including administration, accreditation, customer service, media and venue operations. With 28 sports competitions at more than 70 venues across Sydney, there will be many great volunteering opportunities. We really encourage people to contact us and get involved," says Mr O'Leary.

More information

For more information visit the Sydney 2009 World Masters Gameswebsite, contact Narelle Humphry, Volunteer Manager on +61 2 8116 2010 or email volunteers@2009worldmasters.com

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This article was first published in the June 2008 issue of Sportshorts magazine. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, you can subscribe to Sportshorts online.