Volunteer steps up for games
The worlds largest multi sports event is coming to Auckland in 2017 and many Kiwis are putting their hands up to volunteer and be a part of it.
Te Atatu resident Cameron Robinson heard about the World Masters Games through a speaker at Auckland University of Technology, where he is studying for a double bachelor degree in sport and business.
The 21-year-old jumped at the opportunity to ‘‘be a part of something this big’’.
‘‘Just to be involved in such a global sports event really appealed to me, I just figured it would be such a vastly different experience to anything I have been involved with before,’’ he says.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity for all us volunteers to mix with people from all over the world and it’s the chance to be involved with a major operation.’’
New Zealand will host 12,000 athletes from over 100 countries competing across 28 different sports beginning April 21.
‘‘That will look pretty good on a CV I reckon. Hopefully a lot of westies get involved.’’
Robinson put his name down to be ‘‘a games teams leader’’, meaning he will oversee the ushering of athletes between venues and at events.
‘‘I’m hoping the games will open a few doors for me and give me a taste of what goes on behind the scenes of a major event,’’ he says.
‘‘Ultimately this is the industry I want to end up in post uni so I’m excited to be involved and am really looking forward to it all getting underway next year.’’
The former Avondale College student is in his final year of tertiary study and is hoping to land a marketing role in sport upon completion.
He also volunteers as an under-15 softball coach with the Waitakere Bears Softball Club.
The World Masters Games will be the largest event New Zealand has hosted since Rugby World Cup 2011.
For more information on the games itself or to register for the Pit Crew and be part of the 4,000 strong team of volunteers that will make it happen, visit www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz/get-involved.
Volunteers must be 17-years or older and be available for a minimum of four volunteer shifts during the games period.