Special Olympics BC organizers are urgently seeking volunteers as Kamloops gets set to host the winter games next month.

With roughly four weeks to go until around 800 athletes fill the tournament capital for the games, Chairperson Jan Antons says they are quite short on volunteers.

“We are looking for about 400 to 500 volunteers, I think we are sitting at around 100 volunteers (signed up so far.)”

Antons says those wanting to sign up to volunteer, do not need any prior experience.

“That is the biggest thing people say, ‘I’ve never volunteered for this or I don’t have any prior experience.’ Prior experience is not required.”
Additionally, he says they are hoping to get those open volunteer positions filled by mid-January.

“We are always told Kamloops is a last-minute town for volunteers. We appreciate the last-minute signups but it starts well in advance so if we can get volunteers to sign up by the middle of January that will be amazing.”

Antons says those who have volunteered in the past for the Special Olympics BC say it’s a great experience.

“These games are so much fun and these athletes, when people see their smiles, it’s just the most incredible experience. The last couple of games I’ve been in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies and those are some highlights for the athletes and I encourage people to sign up.”

The winter games run from February 2 to 4 in Kamloops. Antons says those wanting to volunteer can go to the Special Olympics BC website.

“There’s a link on there to volunteer for the games. It will ask them a few short questions, and then they are basically signed up, like I said, they have multiple choices about what they want to pick, they can select their first, second and third choice.”

Volunteers are needed for accommodation, sports, opening and closing ceremonies, general tasks, and food services.