11 May 2014

Botswana African Youth Games Organising Committee (BAYGOC) technical advisor, Gabriel Andrade has said volunteers are the face of the youth showpiece in that visitors from across the continent will see them first before everyone else. 

Speaking at the AYG volunteers workshop in Gaborone on Saturday, May 10, he said volunteers would be welcoming guests at the airports and all competition venues and hence should put on a smile and help visitors diligently.  

The twoday workshop was aimed at educating and inducting all the games volunteers on hospitality, their areas of work, rules and regulations for sport, protocol and safety measures. 

 The volunteers were divided in to groups according to their area of work to discuss logistics to be put in place before, during and after the games. 

Andrade said communication is very key during the games as visitors will be relying on volunteers for any information pertaining to the games and Botswana in general. “Impart yourselves with information but be certain it is correct information before you share it with anybody.”  

He advised the volunteers to be forthcoming and willing to assist anyhow so as to build a good name for the nation.  

The technical advisor further encouraged the volunteers to be energetic and ensure that everyone is fulfilled and happy. 

Always remember you are welcoming the continent and everyone will be excited to be in Botswana hence always be alert.” In their joint presentation, Games operations manager Gaone Lobelo and volunteer Linda Jacobsen stated that a total number of 2700 volunteers registered on ZEUS sport management system but only 1100 entrants were selected. 

Lobelo said volunteers should maintain positive attitude, be helpful and welcoming always. 

He highlighted that there will be buses constantly moving between competition venues, malls and accommodation venues to allow athletes and officials to be punctual. 

Jacobsen concurred that the participants should be punctual for their scheduled duties and communicate with their respective supervisors well in time in case something comes up.

He informed that there will be a volunteer centre at University of Botswana which will allow every volunteer to sign in and out before taking up on their duties.

She said the code of conduct which is “safe games” affects athletes, officials, volunteers, spectators and hence everyone should ensure that the environment around them is safe for everyone.  

The AYG will attract 2 500 youth aged between 14- 18 across the 54 African countries participating in 21 sporting codes. Ends