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1000 Volunteers To Recapture Spirit Of Sydney 2000
15 July 2002Organisers of the Flora Sydney Marathon are calling for 1000 volunteers to help ensure the success of the event and recapture the spirit of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Volunteer roles for the marathon reflect those at the 2000 Games and include course marshals; drink station attendants; medical support crews; baggage handlers; medal presenters; timing assistants; team leaders and supervisors.
The marathon, which will be held on Sunday September 15, is a legacy of the 'best Olympic Games ever' and four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti is supporting the call for volunteers.
"Much of the success of the Sydney Olympic Games can be attributed to the thousands of volunteers who became involved in 2000 and now the Flora Sydney Marathon is a chance to relive the spirit of that tremendous occasion," he said. "Volunteering provides the opportunity for non-runners to become involved in the event and contribute in a significant way to its success, which can be just as rewarding as competing. Volunteering can also be a lot of fun."
The date of the 2002 Flora Sydney Marathon, September 15, marks the second anniversary of the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games and Olympic volunteers are expected to fill the majority of the marathon volunteer roles.
"The fact that the marathon is being run on the second anniversary of the opening ceremony is yet another good reason to become involved," said Moneghetti. "I'm looking forward to running the marathon again this year as it brings back so many great memories of 2000 and I think the Olympic volunteers would probably feel the same way. It's a chance to celebrate, remember and recapture the great experiences we all had in 2000."
Organisers are also appealing to high school and university students to register as volunteers, according to General Manager of the event, Graeme Hannan. "We're particularly appealing to students who are looking at careers in sport or event management as volunteering provides valuable on-the-job experience and the opportunity to gain an understanding of the logistics and different roles involved in staging a major community event," said Hannan. "We expect a lot of Olympic volunteers to apply as well as people who simply want to take pride in supporting a tremendous event that showcases Sydney to the world."
Those interested in applying for one of the volunteer roles can visit the event's official website www.sydneymarthon.org or phone the Volunteer Information Line on (02) 9956-1209 or email volunteers@app.com.au
The Flora Sydney Marathon, incorporating The Sunday Telegraph 10k Bridge Run, closely follows the famous 'blue line' course, beginning at North Sydney and crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Fox Studios (10k finish) and Centennial Park. It then continues over Anzac Bridge to Homebush with the marathon finishing this year beside the cauldron at Sydney Olympic Park.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS OR PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE CONTACT Mary-Anne Dibbs at Sporting Frontiers
Phone: (02) 8907-9400; (02) 8907-9474; 0419-288-102
Email: maryanne.dibbs@sportingfrontiers.com.au
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