Officials with the 2027 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Winter Games in North Bay are looking to recruit 600 volunteers.
“We’re looking at a significant number but we are confident the people of North Bay will step up and volunteer for this event,” says North Bay Police Constable Merv Shantz, Games Manager.
Recruitment for the RBC Community Champions Volunteer Program launches next Tuesday (Oct. 13) with an in-person application and information session at city police headquarters.
Three sessions are being held in the next several weeks:
· Tuesday, October 13: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
· Saturday, October 24: 9 a.m. to noon
· Wednesday, November 4: 9 a.m. to noon
Shantz says there will be a number of volunteer opportunities during the games.
“The opening ceremonies are on Thursday, January 28,” he says. “Leading up to that there will be some set up of venues and the opening ceremonies, of course. During the games there will a lot of opportunities both inside and outside, depending on your preference.”
Other opportunities include welcoming athletes and visitors, supporting food services and attendance, helping at sports venues, parking areas and medal ceremonies.
Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application through provincialgames.com.
“There will be an opportunity to pick your days, the times that you will be available, and the ways you would like to assist,” he says.
A criminal record check is also needed, with the application fee being waived for those attending an in-person session.
450 athletes and coaches will be coming from across Ontario for the Games.
They’ll be competing for a chance to qualify for the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Kelowna, British Columbia.
The games, including alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, curling and snowshoeing, take place at the end of Jan. 2027.
Shantz notes the Draft an Athlete program launched last month has raised $15,000 so far.
Each $500 donation helps bring a Special Olympics Athlete to the games, covering transportation, meals and lodging costs.
