Goodwill Games

07/31/2001

Health of World's Top Athletes in Good Hands

MORE than 120 skilled volunteers will be on board during the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane to provide the best medical care to 1300 of the world's finest athletes during competition.

Queensland Health and the 2001 Goodwill Games have drawn a team of volunteers from a pool of skilled doctors, registered nurses, chiropractors, and physio and massage therapists.

They will provide first aid and medical assistance to not only the athletes, but to more than 700 team officials, including referees and technical personnel, during the games from August 29 to September 9.

2001 Goodwill Games Sports Manager Michelle Tribe said the volunteers would be assigned to six sporting venues and eight athlete hotels during the 12 days of competition.

"This will be an exciting experience for the volunteer teams to be involved in one of the largest sporting and entertainment extravaganzas Brisbane has seen," she said.

"We are also proud to have such an outstanding team of medical volunteers to look after the world's best athletes during their stay in Brisbane."

The volunteers will undergo an intensive training session later this month, developed by Queensland Health and the 2001 Goodwill Games, to prepare them for the event and ensure they provide the highest standard of medical assistance.

Queensland Health Emergency Services Coordinator Trevor Barnes said the team of volunteers would work closely with St John and Queensland Ambulance officers, Queensland Police and Goodwill Games coordinators.

"This is the first time the Goodwill Games will be held outside the USA or Russia, which provides Brisbane with a unique opportunity to showcase its expertise in health care, sports medicine and overall medical services planning," he said.

St John Ambulance officers will be present at all venues during the games to look after spectators. Queensland Ambulance officers will be on standby for any medical emergencies to provide transportation to hospitals.

A recent orientation evening for volunteers welcomed 2000 successful applicants who will now join an additional 1500 volunteers sourced from national and state sporting organisations representing all of the sports competing at the Games. The volunteer team, called ForceOne, will be assigned to different sporting venues in all areas, from medical care to hospitality and catering.

Media information:
Julianna Poli, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2159 (direct)
E-mail: juliannapoli@2001gwgbrisbane.com.au

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