Goodwill Games

06/15/2001

Games Volunteer Workforce on Board

Months of anticipation will be over this week when thousands of people across Queensland learn they have been appointed as volunteers for the 2001 Goodwill Games.

Games organisers have posted letters to the successful applicants in one of the largest volunteer recruitment operations in Queensland's history.

The 2000 successful applicants will join an additional 1500 volunteers sourced from national and state sporting organisations representing all of the sports competing at the Games. Together they will form the 3500 strong Goodwill Games workforce.

The appointment of the complete Volunteer Workforce follows two months of interviews with thousands of prospective volunteers, after the initial appointment of 130 volunteer team leaders and supervisors in February.

2001 Goodwill Games Chief Executive Campbell Rose said the interview process had been a mammoth task.

"On some days over 300 people were interviewed, so it was a pretty intense exercise," Mr Rose said.

"The interest from the public was so overwhelming that the number of applications outnumbered positions available.

"Unfortunately many people missed out, simply because we did not have enough positions available.

"The calibre of all of the applicants was incredibly high and it was extremely difficult narrowing down the numbers for our final workforce.

"I would like to thank all of the applicants for their willingness to give up their own free time to help make the 2001 Goodwill Games an outstanding success."

Mr Rose said the enthusiasm of the applicants was inspiring.

"Whatever their background, people were keen to be involved in the Goodwill Games in any capacity," Mr Rose said.

"We had people with more than 30 years of management experience who were happy to do everything from driving to manning information booths."

Training for the newly appointed volunteers will begin in July and will include a mass orientation evening and job-specific venue training.

The majority of volunteers are from Queensland, with some coming from interstate and overseas.

The 2001 Goodwill Games is working in partnership with Volunteering Queensland for its volunteer recruitment.

"The support of Volunteering Queensland has been invaluable and we thank them for their assistance," Mr Rose said.

If volunteers are interested in any other events or volunteering opportunities they can contact the Development and Events Unit at Volunteering Queensland on 07 3002 7600 or visit their website on www.volqld.org.au

Media information:
Lisa White, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2084 (direct) / Mobile: 0404 842 370
E-mail: lisa.white@2001gwgbrisbane.com.au

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