TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA THE Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) has selected 4,000 volunteers who will work across a multitude of areas to support the committee.

Volunteers have been recruited to support various functions of the games, including accommodation, cultural events, accreditation, workforce support, protocol, spectator services, transportation, media operations, sports, airport services, uniforms, National Olympic Committee (NOC) services, and other support services. “Volunteers and community involvement lie at the very heart of any truly successful sporting event. Therefore, a well-planned, rigorous training compliments their good sense of customer service and positive attitude.

This is vital to ensure that all athletes, officials, and spectators are assisted in the best possible manner from now until the end of the games,” said Saadoun al Kuwari, director of workforce.

“Sport is an ideal environment for the dynamic volunteers we have hired, as it challenges and inspires them to develop important values - from experiencing the spirit of competition to developing organisational skills. The skills and valuable experience gained will be applicable in all areas in life and I’m sure can be put into use in the future as Qatar continues to build upon its role as a host of major international sporting events,” he said.

A diverse group of individuals, in terms of both nationalities and expertise, was selected as part of the Arab Games Doha 2011 volunteer programme. The programme is designed to equip volunteers with time management, teamwork, problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills, as well as the ability to take initiative and make a positive contribution to their teams.

Further, the programme aims to promote the concept of volunteering and community service. “We were on the outlook for committed and enthusiastic volunteers, with a passion for sports and a willingness to serve Qatar as it strives to deliver an Arab Games of world-class standards,” said al Kuwari. “I am proud to say that we are currently managing a talented and energetic group of volunteers who are dedicated to making the Arab Games a hugely successful event on all fronts,” he said. Out of the 8,700 volunteers who registered, 4,000 individuals have been selected to support the games. The deadline for receiving applications was October 31.

In addition to the 4,000, a pool of volunteers has been selected for emergency needs. “Our team is grateful for the response it received from locals and expatriates with regards to volunteering, and regret that we could only select 4,000 individuals. We hope that those who could not become volunteers will still be a part of Arab Games Doha 2011 by bringing the event to life as spectators and enjoying watching their favourite Arab athletes compete,” said al Kuwari.

Arab Games Doha 2011 is scheduled to run from December 9 to 23, and will feature over 6,000 athletes and officials from 22 Arab countries.

With a stellar track record of having successfully hosted international sporting events, like the Asian Games, IAAF World Indoor Championships, Diamond League, Asian Cup, and World Volleyball Championships, Qatar is set to share its unrivalled experience to create a games of Olympic standards.