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Volunteer numbers for next year’s NatWest International Island Games have soared over the last couple of weeks with the organisers now looking to the next steps in the delivery of what promises to be a spectacular event.
845 people attended recent registration sessions at Beau Sejour, bringing the overall number of approved volunteers to 944.
In total, over 1,700 people signed up to become a volunteer, including some from outside of the Bailiwick. With accommodation pressures across Guernsey, the focus has been on securing as many local residents as possible to take on the volunteer roles.
While applications to become a volunteer closed at the end of last month, exceptions will still be made for people with specific skills and qualifications, such as the holders of minibus driver licenses.
Pictured: Licensed minibus drivers are in demand for next year's Games.
In general, to become an approved volunteer, people must have signed up online before 30 September, and they must have attended a registration session where their ID is checked.
Two further registration events will take place on the evenings of Wednesday 9 November and Tuesday 15 November. These will be held at Specsavers.
There will then be a final registration day sometime during December.
Emails will be sent out inviting around 300 Guernsey residents who signed up online, but have not yet attended a registration session, to book one of the slots avaulable next month.
Volunteering Manager Kristin Dowling said she was very happy that the meticulous planning is already paying off.
"The increase in the number of sign-ups in the last couple of weeks of September was remarkable, and the surge shows the strength of community spirit here and the huge interest in the Games.
"At the registration sessions it was really encouraging to see the excitement of all the volunteers and we were hugely impressed with what they had to offer, they represent a very diverse range of talents and abilities.
"For example, some volunteers indicated that they were prepared to lead teams, some want to be the smiling face that welcomes at the ports, and others want to move equipment, or stuff goody bags.
"They all showed us their commitment to the Games and we are truly thankful for this."
Pictured: A thousand volunteers are needed for the 2023 Island Games.
Many of the volunteers at the recent registration days commented on how smoothly and informative the sessions were.
With less than 300 days to go till the opening ceremony, the milestone figure of 1,000 approved volunteers is looking achievable and Wayne Bulpitt, the Director of Volunteering said the road ahead is looking very positive.
"I will breathe a sigh of relief when we go over the 1,000 mark because that means we can deliver a brilliant event," he said.
"The Games is much more than just a sporting competition, it will be a celebration of everything that is great about Guernsey."
There are lots of different volunteering positions, and all the roles will be assigned by the end of this year.
Volunteers will be doing everything from coordinating parking, security, feeding people, shepherding teams, welcoming at the ports, and the million other things it takes to create a memorable experience.
Volunteer training phases will start early next year with volunteers asked to attend information sessions on each of the following dates:
Saturday 4 February 2023
Saturday 1 April 2023
Saturday 13 May 2023
Approximately 3,000 athletes and team members from 23 other islands will be descending on Guernsey from 8-14 July next year to compete across 14 different sports at 25 venues.
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