Help out at Island Games and ‘be part of something special’

More than 1,000 people have now registered to become volunteers, and organisers are appealing for more to ensure that athletes and spectators have the best possible experience.

Ms Beere, who claimed a silver medal in lawn bowls in Birmingham last month, said that volunteers were vital to the success of big sporting events.

‘Volunteering is so important for any sport, up in Birmingham, without the volunteers, the event wouldn’t have happened.

‘It’s such an experience and who knows when we’re next going to host an Island Games.

‘If it’s a fraction of what it was like up in Birmingham it will really lift the whole island, and let’s just hope that everybody gets involved because it’s going to be great.’

Alastair Chalmers, who won Guernsey’s first ever track and field Commonwealth Games medal by taking bronze in the 400m hurdles, is aiming for a gold medal in Guernsey.

‘If you have an interest in sport then go for it because you’ll be so included in it, you could be track-side with all the athletes, and it’ll be a really good experience.

‘I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it.

‘The games can’t operate without volunteers, it’s important to have the help, and having enough volunteers around makes the games move so much easier and smoother, it really does make an impact.’

More than 3,000 athletes and team members from 23 other islands will be arriving in Guernsey, making it the biggest sporting event the island has ever hosted.

Sprinter Abi Galpin, who also competed in Birmingham, said that in her experience the volunteers in Birmingham found it rewarding and enjoyable, and added to the fantastic atmosphere.

‘By being a volunteer you get to see the behind-the-scenes of the competition which is really interesting, and you get to interact with athletes from all over the world, which I think is a special and unique experience.

‘I’ve seen videos from 2003, where the grass was completely packed and the stand was completely packed, and it would be such an amazing experience to get a taste of that and have the home crowd cheering us on.’

Despite the organisers surpassing their original target of 1,000 volunteers, it is expected that many of the overseas applicants will drop out due to logistical challenges, such as finding accommodation.

Wayne Bulpitt, the director of volunteering for the organising committee for next year’s games, explained why more local residents were needed to turn a good games into a great games.

‘It’s going to be a big moment in our island’s history and in order for it to be “wow” there needs to be a collective effort.

‘The feedback from Birmingham has been that the friendly and welcoming faces of the volunteers made it much more enjoyable.’

The age range of those who have volunteered so far is from 16 to their mid-80s.

n Volunteers can sign-up at www.guernsey2023.gg .