Volunteers from Kentucky and surrounding states flocked to Lexington on June 1 for the first volunteer training session in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This marks the beginning of general volunteer training which will span the month of June.
"It went fabulously," said Erin Faherty, director of volunteer services, about the first session. "The volunteers are very excited and they are beginning to realize that they not only represent themselves, the local area, and Kentucky, but also the United States."
The training session, which is mandatory for all volunteers, consists of several educational presentations that are designed to prepare volunteers for what they will encounter at the Games. They include an overview of the Games, information about volunteer check-in, uniforms, behavior, safety and communication.
"I thought it was very informative," said Donna Vanover, a volunteer from Lexington who attended the first training session. "(It gave) volunteers a general overview of what to expect and opened your eyes to what you hadn’t thought of."
Vanover said the session answered many of her questions and helped her know how to plan her schedule for when the Games arrive.
"It is a fun two hours," Vanover said. "Even if it’s after work, it will get you excited even more about the Games."
During the month of June, training sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Faherty said the training sessions are very interactive, including videos and demonstrations that have gotten both volunteers and staff members excited.
"It has been a long time coming," said Melissa Gamble, volunteer services manager. "They (the volunteers) have stuck with us, and it was nice to see the passion in their eyes."
General training is the first leg of training that volunteers will receive in the months prior to the Games. Job specific training and venue training will be assigned closer to the Games, depending on what position the volunteer will be working.
Training is mandatory for all volunteers, both competition and general. They can sign up on Shiftboard using their volunteer profile. Each session is limited to 200 volunteers. Another training option will be available for volunteers who live too far away to attend a session in Lexington. Those volunteers will be contacted through email.
For more information go to: http://www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteer/default.aspx?id=258&ekmensel=c580fa7b_8_40_btnlink
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