Volunteer for a once in a lifetime experience
Angela Thompson is one of the thousands of Kiwis who have already put their hand up to volunteer for RWC 2011. While currently in London on her OE, Angela is looking forward to returning home year to be a part of the largest event New Zealand has ever hosted - and can't wait to play her part...
What was your first volunteer experience?
The first time I volunteered was for the Wellington
International Sevens in 2000. I was studying a Tourism degree
majoring in Sport and Event Management at University at the time,
and knew that the experience would be beneficial, and enhance my
CV.
What other events have you been involved in? What roles did
you hold?
I volunteered for three years at the Wellington
Sevens, in a variety of roles from helping organise the
entertainment to driving the Australian team. I was also a
volunteer at the Beach Volleyball for the Sydney 2000 Olympics for
three weeks, working behind the scenes to make sure the event ran
smoothly. In London I have volunteered at a couple of
children's charities and also I helped out at the London
Triathlon, which is one of the largest Triathlon events in the
world.
Which of these events was the most fun to be involved with?
The Sydney Olympics was definitely the most fun to
be involved in, due to the scale of the event. Being part of the
Beach Volleyball was fun, we couldn't complain spending our
days down on Bondi Beach! During the three weeks we were able to
watch a number of the other events in our spare time and all
volunteers were given the chance to watch the dress rehearsal of
the opening ceremony which was great.
Would you recommend other people to volunteer?
I would definitely recommend volunteering to other
people; it's a great way to be involved in local and
international events. There are always a variety of roles that need
to be filled so you can experience different parts of what is
involved in putting an event together.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
The best part is simply being involved,
experiencing new situations, meeting new people and contributing to
the event as a whole. When it all goes well its great to know
you've been a part of making that happen.
What motivated you to sign up?
I was motivated to sign up for RWC 2011 because of
the past enjoyable experiences I've had as a volunteer in
sporting events. I enjoy watching Rugby and want to be a part of
the RWC when it's on home soil.
What are you most looking forward to at RWC 2011?
What I am most looking forward to is the atmosphere
that is going to surround the country during the time it is on. I
attended a number of the RWC 2007 matches in France and had a
fantastic time travelling around watching the All Blacks and seeing
new cities. The French were very hospitable and there were all
nationalities going to the games. The atmosphere was great
everywhere we went, and I'm looking forward to helping to
re-create that for Kiwis as well as international visitors
travelling all the way to New Zealand on probably a once in a
lifetime trip.
Register before September 24 to volunteer for RWC 2011. For more information or to submit your registration, please visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/volunteer.
