Volunteers, fundraisers and ambassadors will be crucial to the success of the Special Olympics in Leicester.

 

Residents will have plenty of opportunities to get involved in the major sporting event next summer.

Around 1,500 volunteers will be needed to help in all areas of the Games.

 

Organisers also need to raise around £3 million in sponsorship for the event.

 

Steve Humphries, Games Director, said: ‘it’s up to us all to make the most of it and the way we’ll do that is if we all make a contribution. The spotlight is on the City and we’ve all got to make that difference’.

 

He said volunteers would benefit from getting involved – and could put themselves in the running to volunteer at the London Olympic Games in 2012.

 

‘People can get a taste of volunteering at a national event, getting these skills and qualifications’ he said.

 

‘This will then hopefully encourage them to get involved in volunteering with the Special Olympics in the City and in wider walks of life, putting something into the community.

 

People who do volunteer will be in a very strong position when it comes to the London Games in 2012’.

 

A volunteering recruitment drive will be officially launched in the first week of June.

 

Nicola Haynes, Event Director for Gymnastics for the 2009 Games said: ‘volunteer if you get the chance. It’s just such a rewarding experience, for volunteers and the athletes. The athletes take their sport very seriously. They want to be the best in their field. I’ve found it quite emotional seeing that drive and determination. Once you volunteer, you’re hooked’.

 

Donna Bishop has learning disabilities and works as a support assistant in the Council’s Learning Disabilities Team. She has been selected as an Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

 

‘I couldn’t believe I got picked’ she said, ‘my family is really proud of me’.

 

She is designing a flag, as well as t-shirts and a cap, jacket and badge for the event.

 

Volunteering Director, Lynn Senior said: ‘we want to thank the Council staff who have already put themselves forward – and we will be contacting them soon. For anyone else thinking about volunteering, look out for the launch in June’.

 

Organisers are also hoping that a database of volunteers will be built up who can be approached for other events.

 

People are being urged to help with fundraising for the Games. The City’s new Lord Mayor, Manjula Sood, has announced that the event will be her chosen charity.

 

Residents can also host their own events in the community, at work and at school, to raise money. Local businesses are being offered sponsorship packages for the Games. To find out more about fundraising, email fundraising@sol2009.com

 

More details about the Lord Mayor’s Special Olympics’ Appeal 2008/09 are available by calling the Lord Mayor’s Office on 0116 223 2000.

 

Donations can be sent to: Lord Mayor’s Special Olympics Appeal, C/o A12, New Walk Centre, Welford Place, Leicester, LE1 6ZG.