Volunteers

Introduction

In 2010, the Vancouver Olympic Committee will need 25,000 experienced, well-trained volunteers to put on the greatest Winter Olympic Games the world has ever seen.*  In order to increase the pool of trusted, experienced, enthusiastic volunteers with expertise in winter sports operations, the Five Two Ten Volunteer Program will be developed.  Volunteers will have the chance to work with the world's best athletes, meet people from around the world, help their communities and gain valuable training to get them ready for 2010.  Whenever possible, we will work with Olympic Organizers to give our Volunteers the chance to work at the Games themselves.  They will also be an integral part of the Organizing Committee's work and the other pillars of the program.

1.      Recruiting The Organizing committee will work with a wide range of organizations to recruit a pool of great volunteers.  We will work with Ski areas and their ski clubs, Five Two Ten Communities, civic groups and Five Two Ten Business Partners to introduce the program, and build our teams.  We will look for both experienced volunteers, as well as people new to the winter sports field. 

2.      Training Volunteers will be given extensive training through professionally designed and implemented volunteer training.  The program will involve hands-on training, as well as remote learning, with trainees working on their own and in workgroups.  Experienced Volunteers will have the opportunity to share their skills with newer volunteers.  Training will be broad based, giving volunteers skills-training they can apply to other parts of their lives.  Some possible training topics include hospitality, logistics, sports event management, data systems and leadership.

3.      Ambassadors Volunteers will be able to gain a wide range of experience when they take part in the Initiative.  As a benefit to volunteers, we will work with our venue and business partners to increase their connection to each other.  Volunteers will have the chance to try sponsor products and enjoy the great facilities that the region has to offer.  Long term volunteers will have the chance to ski and ride on the great mountains of the Five Two Ten Region.

4.      Networking Volunteers will have the chance to meet others from around the entire region, who share their interests and passions.  They will work together at training sessions and play together at social events surrounding the Five Two Ten Events.  

5.      Recognition Volunteers will not only be well trained, they will be rewarded for their work with the Five Two Ten Initiative.  Volunteers will receive goods supplied by our Business Partners, and will also be recognized at various social events. We will work to provide top notch facilities for our volunteers.  Through our volunteer management program, we will work to provide personal feedback through the life of the program. 

6.      (Olympic Partnership The Organizing Committee will work with the Vancouver Organizing committee to try to guarantee a certain percentage of Five Two Ten Volunteers a job at the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics.)

*Vancouver Olympic Committee Homepage (www.vancouver2010.com)