Triathlons are always a success because of an army of volunteers
If there’s an event in Penticton requiring volunteers, chances are you’ll find Colt Cash helping out. He’s one of approximately 1,500 volunteers who signed on for the 10-day ITU Multisport World Championships Festival on now through Sunday.
Cash, who this summer has already given his time to events such as the Peach Festival and Prospera Axel Merkx Grandfondo Okanagan, is assigned this week to finish-line duties.
The job consists of removing the timing chips strapped to athletes’ legs and physically catching any participants who collapse in exhaustion.
No matter what he’s doing, Cash is happy to help both his community and visitors.
“It’s a nice way to support the athletes who do these races. I feel if they’re out there doing these long distances, then I should be volunteering,” said Cash.
The pay is non-existent, but nonetheless rewarding.
“There was one athlete who was crossing the street and he suddenly said, ‘I see you everywhere. I’m going to shake your hand,’” Cash recalled.
“It’s things like that that make you appreciate the athletes and makes it worthwhile.”
Carole McGhie began volunteering for triathlons about 15 years ago after her son, Randy, completed his first half-distance event in Osoyoos.
“I cried the whole time. I ran along with him at the end,” she said.
“And from that day on, I volunteered for everything.”
Since then, she’s had a variety of triathlon jobs, from marking numbers on athletes to staffing aid stations. And, just like Cash, she feels well-compensated for her efforts.
“Everybody thanks the volunteers. It’s wonderful,” said McGhie.
If you want to get in on the action, help is still required for Sunday’s flagship long-course triathlon.
The most urgent need is for course marshals, who keep athletes and spectators safe at closed intersections. Help is also required in transition areas to handle bikes and peel off wetsuits, and with spectator control at the finish line and in transitions.
Volunteers will be celebrated at a special dinner on Monday at 5 p.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, where they’ll have their names entered into draws for various prizes. Course marshals will also be eligible to win a 55-inch TV.
To register for a volunteer shift, which can be as short as four hours, visit www.penticton2017.com, email volunteers@penticton2017.com or visit the volunteer booth inside the Athlete Village and Expo at Rotary Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.