March 2014 will long be remembered as a significant month in Fairbanks history, when more than 2,000 athletes, coaches and cultural delegates from nine contingents around the circumpolar north arrive in our community for eight days of athletic competition, cultural exhibition, and social interaction.

That’s when the Golden Heart City will proudly host the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. It’s hard to believe, but this event, which has been years in preparation and planning, is now less than 100 days away.

That’s not the most significant number though. The number that we are really focusing in on — and the number that we hope people in Fairbanks focus in on — is “2,500.” That is how many volunteers are needed to make the 2014 Arctic Winter Games a success.

A big number, yes, but if any community is capable of pulling it off, it’s Fairbanks. As a relatively new member of this community, I have been blown away by the energy and collaborative spirit that runs from the far corners of the borough, and comes together to make our northern home such a vibrant place to live and play.

We humbly invite you to share this enthusiasm for your community as a volunteer with the Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games. We are pleased to share that we have already seen tremendous support and enthusiasm for the games. Hundreds of people have already put in thousands of hours to organize these eight incredible days in March, but we still need you.

Whatever your interests, skills or availability may be, we can find a volunteer position for you. Volunteers are needed to help in numerous areas to include ceremony and event support, marketing and public relations, transportation, hospitality, security, scorekeeping, ticketing, food services and much more.

Volunteering comes with several benefits. Those who volunteered for the games in Fairbanks in 1982 and 1988 still rave about their experience today. People who volunteer for the 2014 games are getting a chance to be involved in something that Fairbanks won’t likely see again for another 20 or more years.

A big benefit comes from getting to meet and interact with the thousands of people coming to Fairbanks, in particular the international attendees. It’s an international spring break experience without having to leave home.

As a further enticement, volunteers who commit to 12 hours or more during the games receive an exclusive volunteer uniform to include a jacket and a shirt, a commemorative volunteer pin and an invitation to attend the post-games recognition party.

We’re also pleased to create Youth Volunteer (15-17) and Youth Champion (10-14) programs so that young people in the community get a chance to be a part of this historic event. And we encourage you to share the volunteer experience with your friends and co-workers through our Group Volunteer Program, which allows businesses, organizations and teams of 10 or more to volunteer together.

The Arctic Winter Games are a high-profile and multi-faceted event, which means that volunteering does require a small amount of paperwork and training (all games volunteers need to complete the online volunteer registration form at the link below by Dec. 31), but your time spent in this initial process directly results in a more positive volunteer experience for all.

Source: http://www.newsminer.com