Hundreds of dedicated volunteers clad in orange shirts are working tirelessly behind the scenes at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Corner Brook this week. The athletes are taking center stage, with the volunteers ensuring smooth operations.
Wednesday marked the transition day at the Games, as the next wave of athletes arrived in the city. Sporting events are set to resume in the evening.
Duane Huxter has been diligently organizing merchandise for the athletes at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, spending over a week folding t-shirts. Reflecting on his time there, he shared with CBC News on Wednesday how he initially anticipated a brief visit but ended up staying for days.
The volunteers are involved in various aspects of the Games, from liaising with local authorities to coordinating logistics and overseeing venue operations to guarantee a seamless experience for all participants.
Dave Campbell, the games director with SportNL and a member of the Games host committee, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving success. He praised the strong community connections and volunteer support from places like Corner Brook and Stephenville.
Coordinating attire for ten teams is a significant task, but Huxter emphasized the role it plays in creating lasting memories for the athletes. Despite his minor role in the opening ceremonies, he finds fulfillment in contributing to the athletes’ positive experiences.
Huxter expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the athletes proudly donning their team colors during the opening ceremonies, knowing that he had personally handled most of the shirts multiple times. He underscored the collective effort of volunteers in ensuring the athletes feel a sense of pride representing their respective regions.
The commitment and hard work of volunteers like Huxter are essential in creating a positive and memorable experience for all participants at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.