First-time and veteran volunteers gave a few hours of their time last weekend (Saturday 17 June 2017) to make the Great East Swim another triumphant Suffolk event. It was truly a family day, with one volunteer being just four years old!
25 volunteers supported one of the county’s biggest sporting events which attracts 2,000 swimmers. Their responsibilities included manning the start and finish lines, managing the car park and handing out goodie bags and energy bars.
Cass Davies, who has volunteered at the event for a number of years, said:
“I love helping at the Great East Swim. The team which runs it is brilliant, it always runs like clockwork. The atmosphere is exciting, though of course there are plenty of nerves too, particularly with the first timers!”
Tristram Singh was a first time volunteer and said:
“I enjoyed making it a good day for the swimmers. Also, the other volunteers made it a good day, it was nice that people brought their kids along to take part.”
The volunteers registered to take part at the event through the Community Action Suffolk’s V-Event project. Jo Quigley, V-Event Officer, said:
“I am always humbled by the dedication of volunteers to supporting events in Suffolk. We recognise that without their support, events like this could not take place. Myself and organisers can never thank volunteers enough for their commitment to creating an enjoyable day for all.
It was great to see a range of ages getting involved and I hope to see this at other events in the future.”
The Great Run Company organises the Great East Swim in conjunction with Suffolk County Council and said:
“The volunteers were all amazing! They all turned up and worked through the heat. They were excellent with the swimmers and stayed for the whole day.”
If you would like more information about volunteering at events in Suffolk, contact Jo Quigley, V-Event Officer, [email protected] or 07702 532810 or visit www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk/v-event