Athletes are showcasing their talent at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Corner Brook this week, with a dedicated team of more than 300 volunteers in orange shirts ensuring the smooth running of the event behind the scenes.
Wednesday marked the transition day for the Games, as a new group of athletes arrived in the city. Sporting activities are set to resume in the evening.
Duane Huxter has been diligently organizing merchandise for the athletes at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, where he has been folding t-shirts for over a week now. Reflecting on his commitment, Huxter shared, “I came here last Monday thinking it would just be a quick task to organize some merchandise. I told my wife I’d be back by noon, but I’ve been here ever since.”
Volunteers play a vital role in various aspects of the Games, from liaising with local authorities to coordinate logistics to ensuring the smooth operations at the venues.
Dave Campbell, the games director with SportNL and a member of the Games host committee, emphasized the importance of teamwork and community collaboration for the event’s success. He stated, “These types of events rely heavily on volunteers. It’s wonderful to see communities like Corner Brook and Stephenville coming together to support such initiatives.”
Despite the challenges of coordinating attire for 10 teams, Huxter understands the significance of creating lasting memories for the athletes. While his involvement may have been more subdued during the opening ceremonies, he finds fulfillment in contributing to the athletes’ positive experience.
Huxter expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It’s demanding work and can be physically exhausting. However, my goal is for the athletes to leave with a sense of accomplishment. Seeing them proudly representing their region in their team colors, knowing I had a hand in preparing those shirts, gives me a great sense of pride.”
Wednesday saw a calm atmosphere on the playing fields at the N.L. Summer Games in Corner Brook, as volunteers diligently prepared to welcome new athletes. Their dedicated efforts ensure that the athletes have the support they need to shine at the event.