The MultiSport at the Lake races is in desperate need for volunteers for the upcoming event.
According to Cathy Forner, race director for the event, at least 100 more volunteers are needed to make the first ever multi-sport event a success.
“Sylvan Lake generally is a town you can count on for volunteers, they just generally come out at the last minute,” said Forner.
The races need volunteers to help out the day before, to help organize and set up the various events, as well as the day of.
Volunteers will not be expected to work the entire day, according to Forner. Time slots and shifts can be accommodated to ensure times work best for each volunteer.
“If we don’t get the volunteers we need, the races will still go on, but it won’t be the best race we can make it,” she said.
Currently the event has only 20 or so volunteers signed up to work the race lines, register participants or set up and tear down.
Without more help the volunteers currently registered will be asked to double or triple their time to make the day run smoothly.
“It isn’t ideal by any means, but if we don’t get the volunteers it’s what we would have to look at doing,” said Forner.
Forner says the volunteers will be needed along race lines to direct the runners, to ensure participants are running along the correct route, registering racers, life guards and those keeping watch from boats, kayaks or paddleboards.
The shifts range in time needed, with some being very short, and others taking a bit more time.
“No matter what, all volunteers and racers will be done before the hockey game. You’ll have time to volunteer and take in the game on Aug. 4,” Forner said.
Volunteering is easy, and can be done online at the event’s website: www.multisport.atthelake.ca/volunteer.
The program used to sign up volunteers will also give each one a reminder the day before, so no one will forget.
“Normally we get a lot of volunteers with paddle boards or kayaks for this type of thing, but we haven’t had any yet,” she said.
Volunteers will be well taken care of during the race day, according to Forner.
Each volunteer will receive a race t-shirt, as well as complementary breakfast provided by Tim Horton’s and lunch provided by Chopped Salad.
“Sylvan Lake is a great town, and I know I can count on them to step up and help out.”
To volunteer for the Aug. 4 event, sign up through the website, where you can pick a time slot, area and specific duty.
Forner says volunteers are needed right away, to ensure the race day runs smoothly, and no one is left scrambling.