The Tribune

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WITH the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games just one week away, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is actively searching for more volunteers for the Bahamian Olympic-style games.

The sixth edition of the Bahamas Games will be played between 16 sporting disciplines at 16 different locations from July 7-15 therefore, event organisers are encouraging individuals to register as volunteers ahead of next week Friday.

Anishka Wallace, coordinator for accommodations and volunteers for the LOC, said there are some educational and historical benefits to volunteering for the Bahamas Games.

“If you were born before 2001 or after 2001 when the last games were held this is a great way to learn about the games. Additionally, these games are like a mini-Olympics with more than 11 sporting disciplines [with] 12 islands competing in every division so the help is needed,” Wallace said.

She added that for students who may need community service, this is a great way to earn those hours and learn about the games so that they may share the information with others.

The LOC, in conjunction with the Bahamas Games, has reached out to more than 700 volunteers from previous games via social and print media and radio promotions.

Also, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has provided 100 persons from the summer work programme to assist with the Bahamas Games.

Training sessions have been held this week Tuesday and yesterday and the remaining sessions are on Saturday, July 1, at 10am and 4pm.

At these sessions, volunteers are taught the history of the Bahamas Games, the participating islands, disciplines, protocols, teamwork, positive reinforcements, various departments and their responsibilities.

Also, leadership and love of the country through volunteering. “We would like to say to parents who may have kids that are eligible to volunteer, especially if they have never volunteered, please encourage them to do so, it’s a constructive and awesome way to learn about each island,” Wallace said.

She added that patriotism is born through volunteering because these games have not been held in 21 years so, for many, they are a part of a new story with much to experience and a great way to network positively.

The sporting disciplines which require more volunteers are track and field, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the Bahamas Games can go to the website - www.thebahamasgames.org - and click on the volunteer tab, fill out the form and upload it to volunteerbahamas50@gmail.com. Additionally, volunteers must attend at least one training session to help with the games.

Event organisers said it’s going to be great competition and an opportunity to reunite with family and friends who may have moved to the various islands during the past several years.

Ticket prices and more information about the games can be found at www.thebahamasgames.org.

The 2023 Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will continue over a week from July 7-15 and the highest overall collective score across the various sports will be deemed the winner of the games.