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More than 1,500 volunteers will fuel the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary from Feb. 27 to March 2, and they’re ready for an action-packed event.
Volunteers crowded the Telus Convention Centre on Sunday, receiving final details on roles and responsibilities for the games. Over the five days, the games will welcome more than 4,000 athletes, coaches, team support staff, families and friends.
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“The volunteers are the backbone of this event, the entire execution of the games is reliant on volunteers,” said Karen Dommett, general manager for the games.
Without volunteers, Dommett says athletes don’t get fed and scores don’t get kept. Typical volunteer shifts are four hours, and they’ve asked for a three shift commitment from all volunteers, which Dommett says the majority are doing.
“Calgary has such a rich history of volunteerism, spirit, and these Games are a really great example of that staying alive,” she said.
Special Olympics excited by influx of volunteers
For previous games in smaller cities, volunteer numbers have hovered around 700. Dommett attributed the uptick to Tourism Calgary’s involvement, a robust bid, and pent-up energy since this is the first post-pandemic Games.
“The fact that we have over doubled our volunteer lift, we know that that translates to the athlete experience,” she said. “We’re primed to be the best Games that has ever happened for Special Olympics on a national stage.”
François Poirier, co-chair of the Games’ organizing committee says they’ve been truly overwhelmed by the influx of volunteers this year.
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“It’s not just the quantity, but it’s the quality of individuals that are here to help,” said Poirier, who’s also president and CEO of TC Energy, a presenting sponsor for the volunteer program this year.
Special Olympians to receive medals at Olympic Plaza
Dommett mentioned that the opening ceremony at the Nutrien Event Centre on Feb. 25 is sure to be nothing short of magical.
“Perhaps one of the most magical things is — on March 2 — we have the Safeway Champion’s Celebration down at Olympic Plaza. That’s really Calgary’s opportunity to come take in all the efforts of the athletes.”
Athletes will be taking the stage at Olympic Plaza to receive their medals in the same place that Olympians received them during the 1988 Games.
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All volunteers take disability inclusion training, which helps them create an environment that’s best for the athletes, said Dommett.
“They are all going to experience moments of inclusion and moments that are going to change their perspective around disability inclusion, and that’s going to stay in our community forever.”
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