As the largest single volunteering effort in the country ends, Sylvia Thompson asks if the spirit can be kept alive.
More than 30,000 people gave of their time and skills free of charge last week for the Special Olympics World Games. As far back as February, the organising committee was inundated with offers of help, which resulted in the largest single volunteering effort to date in Ireland. So, why did so many people volunteer and will they do so again?
Sarah McManus worked as a Russian interpreter during the games. "I thought it was an opportunity of a lifetime to get involved. I had never done anything like this before, although I'd like to think that I will do some other volunteering afterwards."
Gerard Griffin, a seasoned volunteer, managed the team of interpreters at an accommodation venue during the games. "I like to give something back to society because I realise that I'm very healthy and have a good outlook on life. I have volunteered for many things in the past and I've noticed that many people who volunteer have a history of unconventionality. They are prepared for a challenge and for the unpredictable nature of work.
"They are happy about what they do and they have the confidence to experiment and fail. There is also a social element to volunteering and a sense that everyone is equal. Here, there is no money transacted, everyone is dressed in the same uniform and there isn't a sense of some getting more perks than others."
John Beggan was head of safety and security at an accommodation venue during the games. "I'm retired, so I thought it would be a great idea to help. I think people will go on to do other volunteering after the games. It has been a great experience, seeing the athletes come back with their medals and cheering them on. There was a great buzz and everyone was in good humour."
Catriona Barry, general manager of volunteer services during the Special Olympics World Games says: "We will be bringing out another newsletter on how to stay involved once the games are over and there will be lots of opportunities for people to continue volunteering. The 400 athletes in Team Ireland will continue to need intensive training and we now have more expertise and the experience of hosting the World Games.
"It's the day-to-day, week-by-week effort we have to look at now. For instance, we've had 300 volunteers working at the World Games sailing events and there has never been a sailing programme for special athletes in Ireland. Here is a chance for people to set one up."
Sandra Velthuis from Volunteering Ireland is also keen to keep volunteers on board. She estimates between 2,000 and 3,000 people visited the Volunteering Ireland stand in the RDS during the World Games.
"It would be a huge shame to lose the impetus that has been behind this mammoth event. There are hundreds of organisations who need volunteers. There isn't any part of Irish life which doesn't need volunteers. We are like a recruitment agency for volunteers. We match people with organisations and we run a national resource centre for volunteering," she says. The real challenge now is for all kinds of organisations to make their voluntary work appealing to those who were drawn to the uniqueness of the Special Olympics.
Volunteering Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01 8722622. E-mail: info@volunteeringireland.com
See also www.volunteeringireland.com