As we come into the final leadup to the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games (Feb. 25 to 28), it’s important to stop for a moment and recognize the massive effort that has gone into making this event a success.
For many B.C. athletes, the Games, winter or summer, have been a major step on the road to bigger competitions, a path that, for some, lead all the way to the Olympics.
For others, this will be the highest point in their sports career.
In either case, it’s important that the Winter Games are well-run and provide these young athletes with the best of memories.
That’s the job of the volunteers that are making these games happen.
Some are set to start their volunteering when the games begin, but others have been working on the Penticton games since 2013.
That adds up to a lot of volunteer hours, especially when you consider the numbers involved.
About 2,000 volunteers supporting 1,225 athletes, 333 coaches and 180 officials.
And the Winter Games is just one of several events this year that wouldn’t happen without the volunteers, including the recent 56th annual and always very successful Vernon Winter Carnival.
So as we prepare to cheer on the athletes this weekend, let’s first give a cheer for the volunteers that are key to making this event, and virtually every other event that takes an army of volunteers to make happen, a success. Here’s to a great outcome for all athletes involved and a note to take the time to shake the hand of a volunteer who helped make this great event possible for one and all.
-Black Press