Special Olympics Ireland 2006 Games would not exist today without the time, energy, dedication and commitment of volunteers throughout the province. Newtownabbey Borough Council volunteers Norman Marshall, Isobel McKeen, Laura Campbell and Vanessa Boyd are a few of the many people assisting with the preparation and operation of the games at the Pitch and Putt Competition Venue, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre and at Greenmount Accommodation Centre.  

Volunteer roles vary greatly as many tasks are required to host an event of this size and complexity.  Some positions will require specific skills such as medical, technological ability or languages. Other areas like chaperoning and administration simply require hard work and enthusiasm.

Norman Marshall is Housing Manager at Greenmount College Accomodation Centre.  As a member of the Core Management Team he is responsible for ensuring all athletes, coaches and their families are made feel comfortable and at home in their competition accommodation. Norman works as a Council Environmental Warden and felt some of his health and safety and people management skills could be used in the volunteering role.

Family Services Volunteer, Isobel McKeen will look after the family members of the competitors to ensure that they enjoy their time at the competition venue. Isobel volunteered for the 2006 Special Olympics because, having had members of her family with a disability, she felt she could make a valuable contribution to this very special event.

Volunteer Services Coordinator, Laura Campbell, ensures that each functional area within the Pitch and Putt venue has adequate volunteer numbers to manage when the games begin.  Laura works closely with the other volunteer managers and coordinators to ensure the games run according to plan and to make sure the athletes, their families and members of the public all enjoy the event. 

Vanessa Boyd is Media Services Coordinator at the Pitch and Putt Competition.  Working as Marketing and PR Officer in the Council, Vanessa wanted to use her experience of working with the media to facilitate the optimum level of coverage for the games and the athletes involved.  This includes coordinating TV and radio interviews, and accommodating photographers and journalists to promote the athletes, sponsors and celebrities daily. 

All the volunteers agreed that working for the games is a very rewarding experience.  Media Coordinator Vanessa Boyd commented:

“When the event gets off the ground and you see the excitement on the faces of the athletes, you forget the many hours involved in making it happen.  Volunteering is definitely worthwhile; everyone should experience it.”

Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Campbell added:

“I am certain this will be a very rewarding and worthwhile experience for me and every other volunteer taking part throughout the province.”

5,500 volunteers are taking part over the period of the Games, with an average 4,000 - 4,500 required each day.  If you have not registered as a volunteer but would like to contribute to the Games why not come along to one of the competition venues to support the competitors?  For more information on the Special Olympics and venues throughout Northern Ireland, check out www.2006games-belfast.com.