More volunteers needed for Guernsey Island Games

Thursday 28 July 2022

Organisers of next year’s NatWest International Island Games have called for more volunteers to meet their target.

Over 600 people have signed up to be ‘Games Makers’, but over 300 are still needed to meet the 1,000 target by September.

Organisers said stepping up the recruitment campaign has been timed to coincide with the Commonwealth Games and 10th anniversary of the London Olympics.

“Both these events are testament to the crucial role that volunteers play in making a memorable experience,” they said.

Volunteers can specify an area or sport they wish to help with if they have a preference, as well as the amount of time they can commit. Volunteers will need to be available for a minimum of four six-hour shifts during Games Week, which is 8 to 14 July 2023.

There is a wide variety of roles listed on the Games website. These include marshals, car parking supervisors, medals coordinators, social media editors, catering assistants, administrators and many others to help the Games run smoothly.

Pictured L-R: Director of Volunteering for the Organising Committee, Wayne Bulpitt, and registered volunteers Jim Cobb, Laura Le Maitre and Katrina Bray.

“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,” said Games organisers.

“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 don’t require any formal experience or qualifications, just positivity and dedication.”

Organisers said they are keen to hear from anyone with a category D or D1 driving licence to help fill mini-bus driver roles.

The Island Games of 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.

Known as the “friendly Games”, the tagline “Inspiring Islanders” has been added to Guernsey 2023 to reflect the power of sport to create a legacy of physical activity, wellbeing and international friendship.

Pictured: Organisers are keen to hear from volunteers with a category D or D1 driving licence to drive mini-buses. 

Director of Volunteering for the Organising Committee, Wayne Bulpitt, 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. They play a vital part in making both the athletes’ and the spectators’ experience very special,” said Mr Bulpitt.

“It has been extremely encouraging to see that people of all ages and all walks of life have already been signing up.”

Katrina Bray is one of 660 people who has already registered to volunteer. She said she was looking forward to meeting new people and making memories.

"It is a real thrill to be involved in making such a big event happen. 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,” said Ms Bray.

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 session, 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.

Pictured: Some of the Island Games sporting events will be held at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. 

All volunteering positions will be confirmed in the autumn and all volunteers will be asked to attend training and information sessions on 4 February, 1 April and 13 May 2023. The last date will involve visiting the various key venues.

Volunteers are asked to sign up now to allow time for organisers to assign roles, for training to be undertaken and for uniforms and accreditation passes to be arranged. Applicants need to be over the age of 16.

People who have indicated an interest in volunteering for their own sport’s management are still required to register as a volunteer.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, CLICK HERE