Organisations from across the region joined clubs from the Hunter to champion volunteering for the upcoming Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games in Newcastle.

At a launch event last week business leaders, senior managers and directors joined employees, members and volunteers to become part of a 5,000 strong volunteer army needed for the event.

ClubsNSW Newcastle & Hunter Representative, Jon Chin, said that 22 local organisations were part of a united effort to sign-up as volunteers and promote volunteering in the region.

“The Special Olympics will be one of the most significant events this region has ever seen and ClubsNSW is asking people of the Hunter to become a volunteer,” Jon said.

“Not surprisingly many well known and highly respected organisations are joining forces with local clubs to encourage their own members, supporters, staff and volunteers to become Games volunteers.”

“We are most grateful to these organisations, many of which are in fact small charities and volunteer groups, for their support of this event.”

The Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games will be held from 30 November to 7 December and will bring together athletes with intellectual disabilities from 32 countries.

Games Director, Chris Heverin, said volunteers were integral to the success of the Games.

“Volunteers are vital to the Games and fully integrated in the event workforce,” Chris said.

“There are four steps involved in being a volunteer – register to be involved, take part in the fundraising program, complete the induction and training process and then work as part of the Games team during the event.”

“The organisations that came together last week clearly understand very well the value of volunteers and the impact volunteering can have – we hope more people will discover the great rewards of volunteering through involvement in the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games.”

Organisations who joined ClubsNSW to champion volunteering for the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games are:

• Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Cooperative
• Centre for Volunteering
• genXwomen
• HMRI
• Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation
• Hunter Medicare Local
• Hunter Surf Lifesaving
• Hunter TAFE
• Hunter Volunteer Service
• HTN
• Life Without Barriers
• Newcastle Airport
• Newcastle Knights
• NRMA Motoring & Services
• NUsport |The Forum
• Peoplefusion
• PULSE
• Purser Corporate Communication
• Social Life Magazine
• State Transit – Newcastle Buses
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
• Wheeling & Able

Volunteers are invited to register online.