Hosting the world in 2010 will require upwards of 25,000 volunteers, many of whom will be needed at Whistler Olympic venues.
To help get more Sea to Sky residents involved in the volunteer program, the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) is opening a new Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre in Squamish on Monday, Sept. 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
The new volunteer centre, which will recruit, train and coordinate volunteers, is located in the new Spectacle building at 40437 Tantalus Road, behind the Petro Canada station. The centre has almost 5,000 square feet of space for programming, like training seminars, and is accessible to people with disabilities.
A grand opening will take place on Monday, with Olympic mascots, sport demonstrations, food and giveaways. There will be face painting for children, and a chance for people to try electronic biathlon rifles. Anyone bringing a hockey stick can try to score on VANOC mascot Quatchi. Live music will be provided by Squamish’s Jocelyn Band, Whistler’s Hairfarmers, and Pemberton’s Gordo.
Sea to Sky residents interested in becoming volunteers can sign up at the centre during the celebration. You can also register at any time at www.vancouver2010.com or www.workopolis.com.
Volunteers will be able to pick their hours, and will have some say in how and where they will be deployed during the Games. The more hours you can provide the more flexibility you will have.
You have to be 19 years as of Sept. 1, 2008 old to volunteer. Applicants must also submit to an RCMP background check and possibly other security checks.
The centre will provide volunteers to help out with sport events taking place at Whistler venues before the Games, such as test events at the Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park. Volunteer areas range from assisting visitors and athletes with accommodation to working with other volunteers. A full list is available at www.vancouver2010.com.
