Home Planning for SuccessDelivering the Dream

Volunteerism and Community Pride

As a community we have every reason to be proud – our number-one ranking among mountain resorts, our history, our commitment to Whistler 2020, our home-town heroes. And we're certainly proud to be hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. By any measure, Whistler residents are “Living the Dream” every day.

During the Games, Whistler residents will be Canada's ambassadors to the world. That's a major responsibility, and we're well on our way. Whistler already has a genuine welcoming nature and a commitment to excellence. We also have a long-standing tradition of community participation and volunteerism including Village Hosts, Mountain Hosts, event volunteers, community service volunteers and the Whistler Weasel Workers, to name but a few.

To fulfil our role as Canada's ambassadors, and to fully leverage the unprecedented opportunity to showcase our community to the world, Whistler is working with VANOC to develop and implement an integrated volunteer initiative designed to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to contribute to success during the Games… and beyond.

Enhanced Games-related initiatives include: building on the success of the Village Host program and recruiting more volunteers; expanding the Home Stay program – tested during the 2008 Alpine World Cup – to provide accommodation for non-resident volunteers; and a plan to develop a local volunteer bureau to meet the needs of community groups after the Games.

In addition, residents from the Sea to Sky corridor are being trained as specialized technical volunteers for bobsleigh, luge, skeleton and all Nordic sports. These volunteers have already demonstrated their expertise and commitment during national and international sport events and will play a major role at Games time.

“All Canadians must feel these Games are theirs. This is not about a few of us but about all of us.”

— John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, VANOC

For alpine races, the Whistler Weasel Workers are among the most highly skilled and passionate race crew volunteers in the world. The Weasels have played a major role in building and maintaining courses at Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cups, NorAm races and National Championships, including the 2008 FIS Alpine World Cup in Whistler.

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Games. Whether providing technical support at sport venues, lending a helping hand in the Village, or inviting a volunteer into your home, it's all about welcoming the world to Whistler. The rewards are immeasurable: an unforgettable experience, immense community pride and lifelong memories.

Key Deliverables

Enhanced Whistler Village Host Program
Integrated 2010 Volunteer Program
Whistler Volunteer Opportunities Plan
2010 Winter Games Volunteer Guide
Volunteer Home Stay Program
Volunteer Bureau

WHAT IS THE WHISTLER LEGACIES SOCIETY?

So you didn't quite make it as an athlete, but you're as passionate as ever to leave your mark. Volunteering is your ticket to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

By becoming a volunteer, you will be joining a team of 25,000 who'll be welcoming the world to Canada. VANOC, in collaboration with the municipality, is looking for enthusiasm, dedication and a commitment to its values of teamwork, trust, excellence, sustainability and creativity. From press operations to celebrations, from translation to technology, ticketing and accreditation, there are many shoes to fill and VANOC needs talented people to fill them – one of them could be you. Opportunities are available before and during the Games.

Visit www.vancouver2010.com to learn more about what it takes to be a volunteer and to apply online. Aspiring volunteers without Internet access at home are encouraged to visit the Whistler Public Library, the 2010 Information Centre in Whistler or Internet cafés.
Unique opportunities to become sport officials or venue experts are also
available at Whistler Olympic Park (www.boldtracks.com) and The Whistler Sliding Centre (www.bcsliding.com).