8. VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT Volunteers were the heart of the Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games. The 5,500 volunteers were absolutely essential to the Games’ great success. The Games Steering Committee established a Volunteer Involvement Committee to ensure that enough capable volunteers were recruited and that they had diverse opportunities to participate. Every effort was made to treat all volunteers equally, whether they were volunteering for sport, cultural festivities or other Games activities. Games managers were committed to recognizing, valuing and respecting volunteer involvement. Volunteers were treated as a valuable human resource requiring and warranting support, encouragement, adequate resources and appropriate management. To this end, several sub-committees were established: recruitment, screening and placement, uniforming and accreditation, communications, training and recognition. Volunteer recruitment officially kicked off on November 18, 2004. Because the World Masters Games were not well known or understood in Canada, generating interest was a challenge and recruitment was slow. As well, the number of volunteers that were required was undetermined until registration closed and the number of participants and venues was finalized. This resulted in a continuous recruitment process, requiring the volunteer sub-committees to significantly shift their work plans.
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Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games — Final Report
Volunteers were recruited, screened, assigned, trained and outfitted. In managing volunteers, goals were set to: • use consistent and integrated approaches • be respectful of other volunteer organizations and the impact on existing volunteer groups • link to the community • leave a positive legacy of volunteer involvement in the broader community by developing the volunteer network and encouraging community leadership The Games volunteer recruitment effort emphasized the need for volunteers who were fluent in other languages. Opportunities were also provided for those with disabilities. Children 16 and under were also welcomed provided they were supervised by an adult. A priority was given to outfitting volunteers in attractive, functional and good quality gear. Those volunteering 30 hours or more were provided a ball cap, golf shirt, fanny pack and water bottle. They were also given the opportunity to purchase a vest and short set below cost. In recognition of their contribution, volunteers were also given two free tickets to the Opening Ceremonies and an invitation to the Closing Ceremonies. Closing Ceremonies served as the final volunteer party where they enjoyed a complimentary barbecue, beverage and live entertainment. Each volunteer also received a gift (glass globe and base) acknowledging their contribution to the Games.