Sports Partnership Volunteers Experience the UK School Games

Cornwall Sports Partnership despatched 8 staff to join 350 volunteers, at the third UK School Games held in Bath and Bristol from 27 – 30 August. Over 1500 athletes from all over the UK, competed  in 9 sports over 4 days.

Double Gold medal swimmer Rebecca Adlington officially opened the games to packed stands at the Recreation Ground home of Bath Rugby Club. The opening ceremony hosted by TV sports presenter Jill Douglas fresh from Beijing, featured the parade of athletes in Olympic style, introduction to top class athletes supporting the games and was rounded of by a spectacular ariel gymnastic display.

Sports Partnership volunteers were involved in a range of duties in support of the Games. These included welcoming VIPs, front desk assistance, media centre preparation, event set up and ticket sales. There was also a fair amount of standing around and a range of mundane tasks such as water carrying, which we were told was all part of the volunteer experience!

It was good to feel valued, meet other volunteers including officials and assist our aspiring athletes to be part of a fantastic 4 days of competition. The uniqueness of the games is the opportunity for the athletes to take part in a multi sport, multi day event and everyone was fired up to give of their best.

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England said of the volunteer effort “It wouldn’t happen without them”

For ourselves as volunteers there was also the opportunity to meet many of the young athletes, stars of tomorrow as well as the stars of today.

All in all on the long drive back to Cornwall, we thought it was time well spent and a good learning experience. Roll on Cardiff 2009.

Inspired to volunteer! Give us a call for more on local opportunities!
on 01872 323344