Special Winter Olympics needs volunteers

The Special Olympics World Winter Games is looking for volunteers for the 2008 and 2009 games. This is the eighth SOWWG and this year is being held in Boise.

The 2008 Invitational Winter Games commence Feb. 25 – 28, 2008 in Boise and serves as a prelude to the 2009 SOWWG. Approximately 540 athletes from 10 countries will compete compared to the 3,000 athletes from 85 countries participating in 2009.

The 10 countries participating are Austria, Czech Republic, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Lebanon, Libya, Romania and Sweden.

According to the SOWWG Website, athletes will compete in seven sports at the Invitational: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and

speed skating.

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the Winter Games, including trainers, merchandising, and transportation.

The second page of the volunteer application describes a list of volunteer jobs.

According to Dawn Thomas, Director of Volunteer Services of SOWWG, the job distribution is first come first serve to qualifying applicants.

“We need 3,000 volunteers,” Thomas said.

Along with job specific training, volunteers will receive a ski jacket, fleece, vest and hat.

Volunteers work two 6-hour shifts and will be provided a box meal for each shift.

To apply, go to their Website, www.2009worldgames.org/JoinUs/Volunteer. The Games Organizing Committee would like to have volunteers sign up by Nov. 20 for the 2008 games, but, according to Thomas, they continue to take applications after the date.

Jessica Henderson
News Writer

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