The search is officially on for volunteers willing to give their time to the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games in North Battleford.
The Games host committee held a news conference Thursday at the Civic Centre to officially launch of their registration database, which is where volunteers can register for the Winter Games running Feb. 18-24.
The first two volunteers to register online were Mayor Ryan Bater of North Battleford and Mayor Ames Leslie of Battleford. As of noon, the database was opened up to the general public at large to sign up.
According to Mark Richardson, co-chair of the Games Volunteer committee, the database will allow volunteers “to tell us what areas they would like to be involved in,” he said.
This is particularly important because for certain volunteer roles a criminal record check will be required, particular for positions which deal one-on-one with youth athletes. Other volunteer roles won’t need a criminal record check.
“If you will let us know what you want to be involved in, this way when we are building a schedule we’ll have volunteers slotted for those positions,” said Richardson. “And this will be the same system where, once self-scheduling is open, you can go in and register which shifts you want to work.”
There will be many different positions available. According to the games’ website, these are some of the roles available: working access control for venues and the Athletes’ Village; assisting with Athletes Services; assisting with medal presentations and with ceremonies and events; food services; information technology; logistics; marketing and promotion; mascots; medical services; pre-games availability; assisting in various roles in the different sports competitions; and venue setup and takedown.
To register, potential volunteers can go to skg2018.gems.pro, which is where people can fill out an online form to register as a volunteer. There is also a space to upload your picture.
After you are signed up, Richardson said that information will be stored online so that people can be contacted when there are volunteer events or things that volunteers are required for.
If the role requires a criminal record check, a letter will be sent; the city has also agreed to waive the fees for criminal records checks for games volunteers.
Richardson said there will be a volunteer orientation, volunteer training and registration night all closer to the games. A recognition night will also be planned for afterwards.
More details are still to be finalized about what tasks and shifts will be needed for the games, and the actual scheduling will not take place until closer to the games.
Also unveiled at the media event Thursday was the announcement that SaskEnergy would serve as the “Champion of Volunteers” for the games.
At least 1200 volunteers are going to be needed to contribute to various roles. The indication from officials is there is already interest expressed from over a hundred people about getting involved.
Games officials have said that volunteering at the games will be a positive experience for those who take part. Richardson said he was in Estevan volunteering for their games, and he indicated North Battleford can expect a similar experience.
“There’s just a buzz about the city, and it’s great, it’s pretty exciting,” he said.
