Accreditation Room Change

Volunteers who have yet to pick up their accreditation badge and uniform can do so at Grande Prairie Regional College Room H223.

The Accreditation Centre will be open:
Friday March 5, 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Daily during the Games, 7:00am - 11:00pm

For More Information please contact the Games Office at 780-538-4777.

2010 Arctic Winter Games Meets Volunteer Recruitment Goals

With over 2,500 people registered to volunteer for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games the Grande Prairie Host Society has met their volunteer recruitment goal – and with less than a week before the Games get underway, organizers have shifted their focus to the important task of accreditation.

Director of Volunteers, Linda Craik says they're thrilled to have reached this important milestone, but the hard work is far from over. Dozens of volunteer Volunteer Coordinators have already spent a lot of time on the phone – calling everyone that's registered to ensure they have completed some crucial steps, and to schedule them for specific jobs and shifts.

"Only once you've cleared your RCMP Clearance, uploaded a photo, and been scheduled for jobs and shifts – can you come to a 'Volunteer Accreditation Day', where you will pick up your volunteer accreditation badge and uniform."

With two of four Accreditation Days completed, and hundreds of badges handed out, President Debbie Reid admits the accreditation process got off to a bit of a bumpy start, but she says the organization is dedicated to rectifying the situation.

"We have faced some challenges with the process, due partially to technical issues and partially because of the number of steps that are required prior to attending an Accreditation Day. But we know where the issues are and are working hard to get everyone to the stage where they can pick up their Accreditation Badge prior to the start of the Games. At this point we're asking our volunteers for a little patience and understanding." Reid says.

Organizers are encouraging those who haven't completed all the steps, or who aren't sure of their status to call 780-538-4777, or visit the Games Office in Ernie‟s Plaza. Remaining Accreditation Days will be held Saturday, February 27 from 10-4, and Tuesday, March 2 from 5-8, at Montrose Cultural Centre (the new library building).

President Debbie Reid admits feeling the swell of pride for these Games in our Community as people finalize their Games Volunteer experience. "We‟re starting to see people around town, not just in Gameswear – but in VOLUNTEER wear, and as the President of this volunteer-driven organization I can say it warms my heart."

For more information contact:

Michelle Dupont, Marketing Assistant
Grande Prairie 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
Phone: 780-538-4777 Cell: 780-296-1004

Volunteer Rally - Saturday 23, 2010

- Register as a Volunteer

- Complete Security Clearance

- Get Your Accreditation Photo

- Choose Jobs

- Select Shifts

Get answers to ALL Your Games questions, direct from
representatives with each Division.

Montrose Cultural Centre
Teresa Sargent Hall
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Prospective Games Volunteers Asked Not to Delay Registration

With just over three months until Grande Prairie hosts the 21st Arctic Winter Games, organizers are nearly half-way to filling the volunteer needs of this international celebration of sport and culture.

2,500 volunteers will make the Games happen in Grande Prairie, and with close to 1,200 registered to-date organizers say they’re happy with where they’re at, while recognizing the long way left to go.

Director of Volunteers Linda Craik says the biggest misconception with prospective volunteers is that there’s no rush to get their name down on paper.

“Every day I talk to at least one person who says ‘Absolutely I’m going to volunteer, I just haven’t registered yet.’ ” Craik says, “What we’re really trying to get across is the many things that have to be done behind the scenes between when you sign up and when you get your accreditation badge & schedule.”

Craik says RCMP clearances can take several weeks to process, not to mention the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association training that’s provided free to every volunteer, or the specific training that may be required for specific roles and tasks.

“And in some cases there are only a few people required for a specific task.” She says, “Some committees are already contacting prospective volunteers based on their interests, either with pre-Games volunteer opportunities or to get people in place to fill their Games-time schedules.”

Craik says when the shifts are full, they’re full - so it’s important to register early, especially if you have a specific interest or are travelling a long distance, like those volunteering from our contingent regions.

REGISTER TODAY!
Online at www.awg2010.org:

Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form - indicate your interests & availability, and submit online

Step 2 – Download, Print & Complete the RCMP Clearance Form

Step 3 – Upload a Photo for your accreditation badge

Step 4 – Bring the completed RCMP Clearance Form to the Games Office with two pieces of government issued ID (one piece must have a photo, both must have your birthdate)

Or, Visit the Games Office and Store in Ernie’s Sports Plaza for help from the Games Crew!!

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

A Week Full of Milestones Makes for a Weekend FULL of Celebration

A week full of milestones for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games will wrap up this Saturday with a HUGE community celebration from 10:00am-3:00pm at Montrose Cultural Centre.

The Volunteer Rally is the second of three that will be held by the Games’ Host Society prior to the Games, and Director of Volunteers Linda Craik says the event is meant to celebrate our existing volunteers as much as to recruit new ones!

“This week we reached a few major milestones: This Thursday marked exactly ONE HUNDRED days to the Games, and as if that wasn’t enough cause for celebration we’ve also registered our ONE-THOUSANDTH volunteer!” says Craik.

A total of 2,500 volunteers are needed to bring the Games to Grande Prairie, and Craik says although we still have a long way to go, this milestone certainly helps to prove what organizers have been saying all along; the people of Grande Prairie and area are committed to making these Games a reality for our community!

Craik says every volunteer that registers is just as important as the last, regardless of what number they are. But, she says there is something particularly noteworthy about our #1000. Having just moved to Grande Prairie, Timothy Way was looking for a way to get involved in his new community when the Games Crew visited his place of employment to conduct on-site volunteer registration. He signed up that day, showing his commitment to the community after only one week of calling Grande Prairie home.

Games President Debbie Reid says it’s exactly that sense of community that is exemplified by our volunteers. “Although the majority of volunteers are needed for work DURING the Games, many of those that registered early are already getting involved, by donating their time to help with pre-Games events like parades, community displays, and events like this weekend’s Volunteer Rally.”

Craik says whether you’re planning to register at the rally or you’re one of the many volunteers already helping to make these games a success, EVERYONE IS WELCOME at the celebration this Saturday.

- Volunteer Registration at the Rally - Chance to Win HOURLY prizes

- Celebrate Aluk’s First Birthday – with birthday cake, and ‘Aluk’s Kids Corner’

- Take in Arctic Sport Demonstrations and Cultural Performances

- Check out a LIVE Games Gear Fashion Show

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

2010 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES FEATURE - Volunteer Update

After the buzz created last week when the Olympic Torch Relay passed through our region on its way to Vancouver, the thoughts of many have drifted to our OWN International Celebration of Sport and Culture being held March 6-13, 2010 right here in Grande Prairie!

2,500 star volunteers will help to showcase our community to the world, and with just four months left to go organizers have 926 registered.

Director of Volunteers, Linda Craik says although it seems like there’s still lots of time – in reality there’s not.

“Our registration process is really sophisticated. There are a few steps, but it allows us to ensure that volunteers are assigned to divisions and tasks that they enjoy, while also ensuring everyone – young, old, participants, volunteers, and spectators – are kept safe”.

All volunteers are required to complete an RCMP clearance allowing them to work with vulnerable sectors like children and seniors. Craik says there is no cost to the volunteer, but because of the processing time required it’s highly recommended that ALL volunteers register by January 1, 2010 in order to ensure their clearance is received in time for the Games.

Even once the accreditation process is complete she says the work is far from over, with scheduling and training to follow. In addition to any training required for their specific tasks, ALL Arctic Winter Games volunteers will receive FREE customer service training by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

“In addition to being a great opportunity for athletic competition, cultural exchange and social interaction, the AHLA training provided to our volunteers provides a whole new element of personal & professional development.” Craik says it’s been a great incentive for employers to encourage their employees to get involved.

REGISTER TODAY!

Online at www.awg2010.org:
Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form - indicate your interests & availability, and submit online
Step 2 – Download, Print & Complete the RCMP Clearance Form
Step 3 – Upload a Photo for your accreditation badge
Step 4 – Bring the completed RCMP Clearance Form to the Games Office with two pieces of government issued ID (one piece must have a photo, both must have your birthdate)

Or, Visit the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza, the Games Crew will walk you through the process.

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

Family Volunteer Opportunities emphasized through National Family Week

The Grande Prairie 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is celebrating National Family Week October 4-10, by encouraging FAMILY participation in this international celebration of sport and culture!

These youth-focused Games maintain their relevance with young people by reaching beyond the over 2,000 Northern participants and encouraging volunteerism with youth of the same age.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those as young as 12, with some tasks designated as Youth Positions.

At a time like National Family Week the focus of many parents shifts towards activities that involve and engage the whole family – an event like the 2010 Arctic Winter Games is a FANTASTIC opportunity to do just that!

Remember – kids are out of school the week of the Games, making it even easier for families to spend time together while supporting this unique international event.

There are also many opportunities for family involvement prior to the Games; with promotional displays, volunteer rallies, and the upcoming Santa Claus parade.

One of the things we notice at events like these is that ‘Games’ activities are quickly becoming ‘family’ activities, with whole families coming out to carry flags along a parade route, or mom staffing a promotional display for an afternoon while the kids hand out tattoos, and dad hangs out with Mascot Aluk for the day.

Families get a chance to spend some time together, work towards a common goal, and be a part of some exciting community events!

For more information, or to register YOUR FAMILY as Games volunteers:

- Phone 780-538-4777

- Visit the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm)

- Register Online

- Email the Volunteer Coordinator

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

Peace Region’s Elected Officials to Participate in Arctic Sports Competition

Volunteers from the 2010 Arctic Winter Games will lead many of the region’s elected officials in some friendly competition Tuesday, June 16th at the City of Grande Prairie’s Municipal Government Day celebrations in Muskoseepi Park.

Elected officials from seven neighboring municipalities will participate in four activities, all of which will be featured in the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, coming to Grande Prairie March 6-13, 2010.

Alaskan High Kick
The athlete supports himself/herself on the ground with one hand while grasping one foot with the other hand. The athlete must use his / her free foot to kick a target
suspended overhead before landing on the kicking foot.

Sledge Jump
Ten wooden sledges are placed in a row. The athlete jumps over as many as possible before fatigue forces him / her to stop. The athlete may only execute two-foot jumps,
and the feet may not be placed further apart than shoulder-wide.

Stick Pull
Competitors stand in a staggered stance facing each other, gripping a Crisco-greased stick. At the judge’s signals competitors grip the stick, then begin pulling away from
their competitor with a straight arm and in a slow and steady fashion. Best-of-three wins it.

Pole Push
Two teams of four players each grasp opposite ends of a 6-8 meter pole. The teams attempt to push each other out of a 10 metre circle. A team wins the round when it
succeeds in pushing the centre mark of the pole across the boundary line. Best-ofthree wins it.

The ‘competition’ for elected officials will run from 4:30-5:00pm, with members of the public encouraged to try their hand at these unique Arctic Sports following the City’s official welcome around 5:00.

Find YOUR Way to the Games! Visit our display at Municipal Government Day to Register as a Volunteer, Get Your Gameswear, or find out more about the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie.

Media Interviews available on-site Tuesday June 16, 4:00-7:00pm

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx