Blog » North West 200 sets standard in new volunteering opportunities

North West 200 sets standard in new volunteering opportunities

17th September 2013

The organisers of the North West 200, Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, have launched a new development strategy which they hope will secure the future of the event.

Thanks to support from Volunteer Now  – the lead organisation for volunteering in Northern Ireland – the event is aiming to secure an Investing in Volunteers Award.
Following a study into its present organisation, the team behind the Relentless International North West 200 are getting behind an 18-month programme to create sustainable and positive  volunteer and organiser opportunities which will secure the event’s long term future. 
The NW200 management team, most of whom are volunteers, are supported by an 800-strong volunteer network who have helped position the North West as Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, generating £7.79 million for the local economy and attracting 100,000 visitors during Race Week.      
Event director, Mervyn Whyte MBE said: “Over 42% of our volunteers have been involved with the NW200 for over 11 years and have built up a top class level of skills and expertise. With help from Volunteer Now we want to enhance this and take it a step further by introducing additional support and training.” 
Wendy Osborne OBE, chief executive, Volunteer Now, added: “We are delighted that the NW200 has been successful in gaining a bursary for Investing in Volunteers. 
“Over 50 groups in Northern Ireland are publicly demonstrating their commitment to good practice and are improving volunteers’ experience through the achievement of this award. We recognise how each and every volunteer supports the successful delivery of the NW200 and look forward to volunteering remaining at the heart of it.”   
The study into the organisation’s present operations found a need for more volunteers aged 18 to 25.The NW200, through the gradual introduction of GoldMark, a programme which promotes and recognises young people volunteering within sports,  plans to link up with appropriate groups, colleges and organisations to encourage young people to take up opportunities which will dovetail with their interests, education or chosen career paths. 
The Relentless International North West 200 offers year round work experience, from operational activities, health and safety, course set up and marshalling, to sales and marketing, hospitality, retail, media management and administration. 
For more information on the NW200 and volunteering opportunities visit www.northwest200.org. 
CAPTION
Putting volunteers first with a new planned strategy is North West 200 chief marshal and the event’s volunteer co-ordinator, Cathal Cunning (left) pictured with Paul Dinsmore, regional manager North- East with Volunteer Now
 

The organisers of the North West 200, Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, have launched a new development strategy which they hope will secure the future of the event.

Thanks to support from Volunteer Now  – the lead organisation for volunteering in Northern Ireland – the event is aiming to secure an Investing in Volunteers Award.

Following a study into its present organisation, the team behind the Relentless International North West 200 are getting behind an 18-month programme to create sustainable and positive  volunteer and organiser opportunities which will secure the event’s long term future. 

The NW200 management team, most of whom are volunteers, are supported by an 800-strong volunteer network who have helped position the North West as Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, generating £7.79 million for the local economy and attracting 100,000 visitors during Race Week.      

Event director, Mervyn Whyte MBE said: “Over 42% of our volunteers have been involved with the NW200 for over 11 years and have built up a top class level of skills and expertise. With help from Volunteer Now we want to enhance this and take it a step further by introducing additional support and training.”

Wendy Osborne OBE, chief executive, Volunteer Now, added: “We are delighted that the NW200 has been successful in gaining a bursary for Investing in Volunteers. 

“Over 50 groups in Northern Ireland are publicly demonstrating their commitment to good practice and are improving volunteers’ experience through the achievement of this award. We recognise how each and every volunteer supports the successful delivery of the NW200 and look forward to volunteering remaining at the heart of it.”

The study into the organisation’s present operations found a need for more volunteers aged 18 to 25.The NW200, through the gradual introduction of GoldMark, a programme which promotes and recognises young people volunteering within sports,  plans to link up with appropriate groups, colleges and organisations to encourage young people to take up opportunities which will dovetail with their interests, education or chosen career paths. 

The Relentless International North West 200 offers year round work experience, from operational activities, health and safety, course set up and marshalling, to sales and marketing, hospitality, retail, media management and administration. 

For more information on the NW200 and volunteering opportunities visit www.northwest200.org. 

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