Penticton has got game — and it will be raised to a whole new level as volunteers learn new skills in event management and visitor hosting.
With the opening of the office on 90-246 Martin St., Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games staff are ready to accept in-person volunteer registrations to support the event — scheduled for Feb. 25 to 28, 2016 — and showcase their Penticton spirit.
“The BC Winter Games will not only celebrate community and sport, but give volunteers an opportunity to develop their skills and experience in hosting events. This will provide a benefit to Penticton and neighbouring communities for years to come,” said president Bill Bidlake. “We encourage everyone in the South Okanagan to join us in leaving a lasting legacy for the region.”
The Host Society is organized by a board of directors led by president Bill Bidlake and vice-president Doug MacMillan. Approximately 2,000 volunteers will be involved with the event and a variety of roles are available. Positions are available in all 14 directorates: accommodation, administration, ceremonies, communications, food services, friends of the games, medical, promotions, protocol, registration and results, security, special events, sport and transportation.
Volunteers are a vital part of enhancing the legacy from the B.C. Winter Games — receiving valuable training and enhanced skill development in event management and hosting. The more efficient the Games, the more that can be reinvested into sport development as a legacy.
In fact, volunteers who sign up by Nov. 17 will be eligible to take World Host sessions, a training program that offers volunteers the skills and confidence to excel at customer service. The World Host program offers a network of dedicated service provides that strive to enhance the experience of visitors to the province.
People can register to be a volunteer in two ways: online, go to www.bcgames.org and click on the flashing “Volunteer now” button. You can select the directorate of your choice – drawing on your skills. Or, in person stop by the BC Winter Games office at 90-246 Martin St. to register on site.
The B.C. Winter Games showcase the province’s best young developing athletes. The B.C. Winter Games provide a unique opportunity for athletes to experience provincial competition in a multi-sport Games setting, taking the first step towards the national and international stage.
Competition will take place over four days in 17 sports such as badminton, biathlon, basketball, curling, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, judo, karate, skiing and speed skating.
This will be the fourth time Penticton has hosted the B.C. Games. The city was the host of the inaugural B.C. Summer Games in 1978, the 1990 B.C. Winter Games and the 1995 B.C. Summer Games.
For more information, contact the BC Winter Games office at 250-492-2026.
