Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes At Sports Events

On Thursday, December 5, Saint Lucia joined the international community to celebrate World Volunteer Day. This annual observance highlights the work of individuals who make a difference in their communities without pay, simply out of a love for helping humanity. In Saint Lucia, these selfless individuals play a crucial role in both national and international events, particularly those of a sporting nature. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of these occasions, from ticketing to serving food and beverages, all driven by the desire to contribute and assist. The participants themselves also benefit from these initiatives, as they are given opportunities for skill development, experience, networking and mentorship opportunities. Volunteer Saint Lucia, the island’s official volunteer organisation, actually had its origins in sports events. The organisation was established as part of preparations for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Volunteers are integral to the success of sporting events of this magnitude and are used worldwide for major events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games. During the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Saint Lucian volunteers were highly praised for their dedication by both local and international officials. Martha Eugene, President of the Gros Islet Chapter of Volunteer...