The World Gymnastics Championships 2022, one of the largest sporting events ever to be held in Liverpool, begins next weekend. And after years of planning, the excitement and buzz across the city is reaching a crescendo.
The Championships, which will take centre stage at the M&S Bank Arena, will involve more than 500 volunteers.
The 555-strong volunteer army will be supporting the competition delivery across 30 different roles. The volunteers span from 18 to 85 years old and between them speak 34 languages.
For some, this will be their first experience volunteering. But for identical twins Valerie Seale and Donna Ridland, the World Championships is just another opportunity for them to showcase their city and be part of a spectacular event.
Donna said: “I love to meet people and I am very proud of my city, so it is great to combine them both being a volunteer, by being able to engage with people and also show visitors what an amazing place Liverpool is, and what a friendly bunch we are.
Her sister Valerie, who now lives in Crewe, added: “I love volunteering. You meet so many people from all walks of life. I am an active volunteer in my community. I volunteer at the weekends for a charity and deliver hot food to the old and disabled. I love doing this as I feel I am giving something back.”
For 85-year-old Judith Mackay, being part of the World Championships was a no-brainer. She said: “Once you volunteer a couple times, you know how satisfying the volunteer experience is, even at a modest level. You continue to put your hand up. And without volunteers most sporting events - small or large, local or global – would be scaled down versions of what they aspire to be.
“Over the years I’ve worked with British Gymnastics on a number of competitions, including the World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow. So it is great to be part of the team in Liverpool – a city I really enjoy coming to and I definitely expect this World Championships to be an outstandingly lively event. As a Brummie I am delighted to be joining the Liverpool team!”
The event organisers of the World Championships have also teamed up with Sport England and national social care charity, Community Integrated Care, to offer more than 100 people who access care and support in the Liverpool City region personal development and mentoring opportunities inspired by the event. Activities have included a Sensory Soap making class, creating gifts for visiting athletes, and an accessible employability club inspired by the working routines of gymnasts participating in the Championships.
The pioneering and inclusive volunteering programme hopes to leave a lasting legacy and is being delivered by the charity’s specialist team.
Michelle Coulter, one of the recipients of the programme said: ‘’Volunteering at the World Gymnastics Championships will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I cannot wait to be part of it. I'm grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me, I've really enjoyed getting involved in the community and interacting with different people.’’
The significance of large sporting events held in cities across the UK is uncontested. But it wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers, hundreds of whom will be helping to make the World Gymnastics Championships a reality when the competition gets underway next weekend.
The World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 will be one of the largest international sporting events ever to be held in the city. Over 400 gymnasts from more than 70 countries will compete at the M&S Bank Arena from 29 October to 6 November 2022. Tickets are still available, starting at £10, at www.2022worldgymnastics.com/tickets.
