Two of the world’s biggest sporting events are coming to Canberra in 2015 and local volunteers are needed to help ensure they are world-class events.
AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 are urging Canberrans to be a part of two of the biggest events the ACT has ever hosted.
The call for volunteers comes during National Volunteers Week (12-18 May), which celebrates the enormous contribution volunteers make, with community sport and recreation relying on around 1.7 million volunteers who contribute 165 million hours to running sport and recreation events throughout Australia*.
“Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring the success of many events and festivals across Canberra and it’s fitting that we are highlighting their importance during National Volunteers Week,” ACT Minister for Tourism and Events Andrew Barr said.
“The ICC Cricket World Cup and AFC Asian Cup are large-scale international tournaments and they present an exciting opportunity for sports fans in Canberra.
“I strongly encourage the Canberra community to become actively involved in these fantastic events.”
Up to 4,000 volunteers will be required for the ICC Cricket World Cup in the 14 host cities, with 49 matches played over 44 days in Australia and New Zealand, with Manuka Oval hosting three of those matches.
Chief Executive of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, John Harnden, said volunteers would play a vital role in putting on a successful tournament.
“This is a great opportunity for Canberra to show off the rich diversity of the Australian community and welcome players and visitors to the nation’s capital,” Mr Harnden said.
“All of this will require an enormous team effort. We want volunteers to get the most out of their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 experience, and hopefully use it as a springboard for new opportunities – whether it’s volunteering in their local area or opening the door to a career.”
About 1,300 volunteers are needed in the AFC Asian Cup’s five host cities, with 32 matches over 23 days with Canberra Stadium hosting seven of those matches.
AFC Asian Cup Local Organising Committee General Manager Communications Alison Hill said the Asian Cup volunteer program “FC 2015” was a chance for volunteers to be part of a special team.
“We want our volunteers to take away a lifetime of memories and help give our estimated 45,000 visitors and 500,000 spectators a lifetime of memories,” Ms Hill said.
“Canberra has a strong football culture and we know that both regular participants in the world game and those who love major events will want to be involved and help show Canberra off as the friendly welcoming city it is.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and they can be part of history as Australia hosts Asia’s biggest sporting event, the AFC Asian Cup, for the first time.”
Volunteers for both events must be 18 years or older to apply, and the opportunity is well suited to those interested in all sports or events as well as anyone eager to show off their host city and get more involved in their community.
For the ICC Cricket Wold Cup there are a variety of volunteer roles available including Event Operations, Accreditation, Commercial and Sponsor Servicing, Media and Broadcast Operations, Spectator and Fan Services, Transport, VIP and Hospitality support and General Workforce support.
Those interested should visit www.cricketworldcup.com for further information.
AFC Asian Cup Volunteers will have the chance to work in a variety of areas, including competitions, travel and accommodation, protocol, media operations, training sites, IT, ceremonies, host city operations, medical and doping control, marketing, accreditation and venue operations.
To sign up as a volunteer apply to www.afcasiancup.com/volunteering
(Media Release)