Jackie Veal's Interview
Sports Volunteering North West recognises good practice in Event Volunteer Management and is working closely with Jackie Veal - the lady in charge of recruiting, training, managing and supporting volunteers at the World Shortcourse Championships in Manchester next April.
Sports Volunteering North West's Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne Glavin conducted an exclusive interview with Jackie to gain an insight into what is involved in such a task. SVNW will continue to keep up to date with Jackie and volunteers involved in the event before during and after the competition. Keep checking back to hear the latest.
S: What is your background in volunteer management/ major event volunteering?
J: I have worked in the sports/events industry for over 15 years. I work as a Sports Development Manager within Greater Manchester which involves lots of event management. I have also worked on several major sporting events in the North West including the commonwealth games and the Salford Triathlon. All the events that I work on involve working and managing event volunteers which is the area I get most job satisfaction out of as you meet and work with a diverse range of people.
S: Can you tell us a bit more about this event and why it will be special?
J: Don’t Miss out ! is the message from the FINA world Swimming Championships. Be part of the supporting cast when the world’s greatest swimmers take to the stage at the MEN arena. Manchester’s swimming world champs will be different held in a concert venue not a traditional pool for start!
The 9th – 13th April 2008 is when the event will take place and it will be the first time a World Championships has been held in the UK and it is Britain’s biggest swimming event since the sell out of the Commonwealth Games. 650 elite swimmers from 120 countries will be in Manchester for the 5 day event which will the only chance to see a world class event before the Olympics in Beijing…
The eyes of the world will be on Manchester as some of the planets best swimmers use the Championships to hone their skills for the Olympics Games in Beijing just a few months later. Grant Hackett, the Australian dual Olympic 1500 m champion, and Ryan Lochte, the American backstroke and individual medley Olympian and 9 times gold medal winner are amongst those top athletes to compete..
We have only have 7000 seats in the MEN per session so tickets will sell out fast and a full arena will make for an electric atmosphere for the athletes to break world records.
S: Are their opportunities for anyone to volunteer?
J: We need 500 volunteers with the event. We have opportunities in various areas of the event including Sport, PR & Communications, and Transport including 120 Drivers! A full break down of areas is on the event website www.manchester2008.org
S: Do they need experience /qualifications?
J: No formal qualification or experience is required
S: What type of roles are available?
J: Drivers, Venue Stewards, Mascot . . . . . . the list is quite large!
S: How much time will volunteers need to commit?
J: The event runs for 5 day’s so we would welcome as much input as possible for the duration of the event generally whatever they can spare.
S: What are the benefits of volunteering at this event?
J: The opportunity to be involved in this event will be amazing. All volunteers will be provided with clothing, refreshments, expenses and transport on the Metro link with their games accreditation and a closing party at PURE in the printworks.
There is a central rest area for all volunteers based at the MEN Arena
S: Is there any pre event training
J: Yes there will be event generic training and specialist job training that will take place in 2008 in one evening or weekend workshop.
S: Will there be any support during games time for volunteers?
J: The volunteer management team from Ludus Solutions Limited will be on hand throughout the event to support all volunteers and volunteers will also be supported by their functional departments
S: After the event will the volunteer be involved in post event celebrations?
J: Yes – see above
As part of the organizing group, how important is it to you that the volunteering recruitment and deployment is successful?
It is extremely important to get the volunteer recruitment and deployment right. Volunteers are at the heart and sole of every major event and the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships is an important event for the North West and FINA the world governing body for Aquatics as they celebrate their Centenary in the same year.
S: What is the best way for young volunteers to get involved?
J: Visit www.manchester2008.org – volunteers have to aged 16 at the time of the event but we are running a series of courses for younger volunteers linked to swimming clubs.
S: Do you see any longer lasting legacy to the North West from this event to volunteering?
J: Greater skilled volunteer workforce which will be an asset to future events. We have a great opportunity to give new and experienced volunteers another opportunity to work on a major event which support their professional development and keeps volunteers engaged. We are keen to place volunteers in their chosen area of interest
S: Sounds great so how do I sign up??
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