Athletes are taking the spotlight at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Corner Brook this week, with a dedicated group of over 300 volunteers in orange shirts ensuring the smooth running of the event behind the scenes.
Wednesday marked the transition day at the Games, as the second wave of athletes arrived in the city. Sporting activities are set to resume in the evening.
Duane Huxter has been tirelessly organizing merchandise for the athletes at the Corner Brook Civic Centre for over a week, mainly focusing on folding t-shirts. Reflecting on his commitment, Huxter mentioned that what he anticipated as a brief task turned into an extended stay without returning home since last Monday.
Volunteers play diverse roles at the Games, from collaborating with local authorities to coordinate logistics to overseeing activities at venues to ensure seamless operations.
Dave Campbell, the games director at SportNL and a member of the Games host committee, emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving success, noting the strong community connections and support that have been instrumental in the event’s smooth execution.
Coordinating attire for 10 teams is no small feat, but Huxter emphasized the significance of creating lasting memories for the athletes. Despite playing a minor role in events like the opening ceremonies, he finds joy in assisting athletes in giving their best performance.
Huxter expressed his dedication, acknowledging the physical demands of the work but highlighting the satisfaction of contributing to the athletes’ positive experience at the Games. He shared the pride of witnessing athletes proudly representing their regions during the opening ceremonies, knowing his efforts in preparing their clothing had played a role in fostering that sense of pride.
Overall, the commitment and hard work of volunteers like Huxter have been crucial in ensuring the success of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, underscoring the essential role of volunteers in making such events possible.