With just 50 days to go to the start of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Newport, organisers have revealed they are looking for up to 200 volunteers to help deliver the event.
The Games are set to attract around 950 transplant recipients to the city, all taking part in 23 sports and events from 25-28 July.
Volunteers are required in a range of roles from liaising with athletes, supporters and VIPs to helping at the opening ceremony. Organisers are also looking for people who can help with marshalling, scoring and timing duties and those who can help organise children’s entertainment activities.
A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: “We are now just 50 days to go until the Games begin and everything is shaping up for a fantastic event.
“We are delighted to be hosting this incredible event and we want it to be the best Games ever. We are sure our residents will respond to the call for volunteers.”
Newport Live has taken on the role of co-ordinating volunteers. Chloe Powton, Sport and Physical Activity Development Officer said:
“We are looking for 200 people in a range of different roles. It is a great opportunity to be part of an incredible and inspiring event taking place in our city. We are looking for people who can spare a couple of hours or maybe the whole four days to help stage this fantastic event for Newport.”
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games are the flagship event of the charity, Transplant Sport, and take place between 25-28 July 2019.
With more than 1,000 competitors taking part in 24 different sports and events, the Games, which will take place at venues across the city, promise to be a festival of sport and life, with over 2,500 people expected to attend.
Transplant survivors, including children as young as three, can take part in sports such as athletics, basketball, cycling, football, golf, snooker, swimming, tennis, volleyball and The Donor Run, an inclusive event open to the public.
The aim of the Games – organised on behalf of charity, Transplant Sport, is to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Wales was the first to introduce a soft opt-out system of the organ donor register. However, the decision on organ donation is still made by loved ones. That’s why organisers are keen to spread the word that you need to make your wishes – whatever they may be - known to your family.
As of 31st December 2018, there were 232 patients in Wales waiting for a transplant. In the first three quarters of 2018/19, 19 patients died while on the active waiting list.
The event is supported by Westfield Health, Welsh Government, Newport City Council, Newport Live the local health boards across Wales, NHS Blood and Transplant, Kidney Care UK, Anthony Nolan Register, Donor Family Network and Believe Organ Donor Support. Further sponsors include Friars Walk, Icon Design, Rodney Parade and Celtic Manor.
Applicants must be 16 or older to apply and need to be able to get to and from their volunteering venue. Full training will be given to all successful applicants.
To apply, please visit https://www.newportlive.co.uk/jobs/799-volunteer-opportunity-british-transplant-games-2019