Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games: The Volunteering Experience
Over 47,000 people from Australia and overseas applied to volunteer for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games(GC2018), held here in Queensland this month. I’m proud to be one of the 15,000 people who were selected to be volunteers, known as Games Shapers. Together with the Games staff, including 110 Griffith University interns who will be in the thick of the action, athletes and officials, we’ll introduce Queensland to the world, and help make GC2018 an unforgettable experience.
The following stories are taken from just a tiny handful of the amazing people who will be playing a role in the biggest event in Australia in a decade!
Bailey, Spectator Services volunteer
“Spectator Services encompasses a variety of different roles around the grounds including pre-information marshal (PIM), pacer, ticket validator, spectator marshal, and usher. I applied because of an obsession with sport that I’ve carried through my entire life. When I realised I was eligible to apply and had the opportunity to be a part of this event, it was something I couldn’t pass up.
“The whole lead up to the Games as a volunteer was an entirely new experience for me. Since the build-up began during the middle of 2017, the whole process has slowly began to pick up speed and become so much more exciting as the Games close in, and after recently engaging in my role specific training and meeting some people in the same boat as me it’s become a lot more real that this dream is about to come true.
As much as I’m keen to get stuck into my volunteering, I’m obviously going to be keeping a cheeky eye on the competitions, so I’m really most looking forward to the atmosphere and seeing some world class athletes do some amazing things.”
Chloe, Spectator Services volunteer
“My role involves tasks including ticket validation, assisting security with getting spectators through security checkpoint, seating spectators as well as a welcome face for spectators
“Volunteering is something I do on a regular basis but when I saw the opportunity to be a part of the Games, I jumped at the chance of a lifetime.
“My biggest concern was my mobility as I suffer with Cerebral Palsy and a Functional neurological disorder and not sure if I was going to be able to travel to and from on public transport as I have to use my electric wheelchair. But it wasn’t as hard as I thought. The team have been so helpful with access to venues throughout the process and their general eagerness to help me.
“I’m looking forward to the experience that is going to take place. It’s going to be so rewarding.”
Ami (that’s me!), Festival2018 volunteer
“I’m assisting with Festival 2018, so my role can involve anything from providing general information about Festival 2018 to the public, help facilitate with workshops and art installations, assisting artists with live performances, ushering guests into events, providing back-of-house support, being an artist liaison and more.
“I wasn’t going to apply at first, because I thought I lacked work experience at the time. But when I heard they were looking for younger volunteers, I realised it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
“It didn’t hit me until I collected my uniform that I would be a part of the Commonwealth Games, something I only ever watched on TV and heard about on the internet. After that, and going through in-person and online training, it all started feeling overwhelming but exciting. Now, I’m so eager to jump in and get started!
“We have so many people coming to the Gold Coast, including international tourists! I’m excited to see everyone experience what we have to offer. I’m definitely looking forward to the sport too!!”
By Ami Goeree