A Word About Volunteers

There are a variety of amateur sporting events that happen every year in our community. Some are big, and some are small.  Some take months to plan and organize, and some happen spur of the moment. They all have one thing in common. They rely on volunteers to be successful. Volunteering is a fundamental component of everyone’s enjoyment of amateur sports. Without volunteers there would be no kids soccer or hockey, no  running or triathlon events, and no Olympic Games.

People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some like the front row seat that being a volunteer affords them at an event. Some like to participate in a sport that they cannot as an athlete. Some are athletes who recognize the importance of volunteering to the success of their sport. They know that without volunteers events wouldn’t happen.

I have heard a variety of reasons why some athletes don’t volunteer in their sport. “I’m too busy”, “I already spend too much time training”, and “I pay my registration fees, why should I volunteer?” are just some excuses I have heard. Some of the busiest people I know volunteer their time to support others. If you are an athlete who participates in amateur sporting events you owe it to yourself and to your fellow athletes to give back to your sport through volunteering.

Next time you are at an event, take a moment to thank one of the volunteers who is out there making the event possible.