Call for volunteers in WC'07 preparations
The World Cup 2007 preparations are well underway and we have reached a point where it is time to call on all of you, dedicated touch players, to lend a helping hand in making the upcoming tournament a truly world class event. For those who don’t know, the event is being held in our own back yard at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch from the 17th-21st January 2007. Given the magnitude of the event it is impossible for a handful of people to handle everything. With this in mind, SATA have identified 10 sub-committees that will need to be formed in order to handle all the preparations. Some of these sub-committees will have a number of people while others will require only a few. I will detail each of them below bearing in mind that once people are identified in a role, a much more detailed and comprehensive brief will follow:
Events Committee:
This committee will need to look after all the events around the world cup. These include an FIT welcome dinner, the opening ceremony, the closing dinner/prize-giving function and a possible VIP luncheon.
SATA admin:
This would be one or two non-playing (at world cup) people who could liaise with FIT and other parties during the event to make sure that everything is running smoothly and take care of small hiccups, should they occur. They would also need to make sure that all facilities are open and functioning during the event (medical facilities, disciplinary facilities, FIT facilities, referees facilities) This person/people would need to be fairly knowledgeable in terms of SA touch’s situation and would essentially serve as “the face of SATA” during the event.
Medical Committee:
This committee would work in conjunction with our team doctor, Teresa Jennings, to ensure that all required medical equipment (such as beds, bandages, needles, back-boards, medicines etc.) are present at the stadium medical room and that there is an ambulance or some form of emergency transport, should the need arise.
Beer & Entertainment Committee:
There is a lot of scope here for imagination. We are looking at creating a carnival-type atmosphere around the event and have a beer tent that will be set up just outside the main field. People on this committee would look to ensure the smooth running of the beer tent (probably mainly handled by a sponsor) and any creative ideas around making the event a spectacle to be enjoyed by visitors. Would work together with the marketing committee.
Media Liaison:
This would be someone, or some people potentially, who would need to liaise with the media leading up to and at the event itself. They would need to make sure there are press releases around the event and ensure coverage as far as possible. (magazines, newspapers, local gazettes etc.) They would also need to ensure that Supersport’s (currently secured broadcast deal, although might expand) requirements are met at the actual event. (access to power points, camera positions, interview areas etc.) Along with managing any press conference facilities that are required at the event.
Marketing Committee:
There could be an overlap with the media liaison in terms of magazines, newspapers and radio as well as the beer & entertainment committee in terms of activities to punt. Here again is scope for creativity in that we need to get the word of the event spread as widely as possible. So whether that be through brochures, magazine articles, radio spots, a parade, whatever. So long as we maximize the exposure of the sport and try to attract as many people to the grounds as possible.
Magazine Committee:
As with previous World Cups, we are looking to set up an official World Cup magazine to promote the sport and give everyone an idea of how the sport functions, where the game is internationally and where we are in terms of the South African touch situation. It is also a vehicle through which we can generate exposure for potential sponsors and perhaps raise some additional funds through the selling of individual advertisements in the magazine.
Playing Fields Committee:
We need people to look after the actual playing fields. To make sure they are correctly marked and ready to play on. Also to ensure that assigned country areas are in order. (each country is provided with a shaded rest area and flag pole) Something that may not be directly related is the need for “gophers” on the day. These are basically people (possibly junior touch players) to run around at the event and assist the FIT tournament directors in their running of the event. (running scores from the fields to the officials room, manning score boards/score tables, ensuring teams and referees are on the correct field at the correct time, etc)
Training Facilities Committee:
Some countries will be arriving a few days prior to the event. During this time, they will need to have access to training fields. (there are a number of well-equipped schools in the area) This committee just needs to make sure those fields are available and coordinate which countries use which fields and at what times.
Medals & Trophies Committee:
This committee would look after all the medals and MVP awards (trophies) to be handed out at the closing dinner/prize-giving function. We all know the importance of making these medals and awards high quality items and something that people can be proud to have won.
Country Liaisons:
Aside form these 10 committees, we would also need a Country Liaison officer per country to look after their needs. (meeting them at the airport, making sure their accommodation & transport is ready, make sure they have all the information they require – directions, tournament draw, events info, etc.) Obviously the number of people required here will depend on the number of visiting nations.
This is a brief overview of what is required. Once people have expressed an interest in any of these areas, a much more detailed look at what is required will be taken with those involved.
We live in a beautiful and wonderful country, so let’s show-case it that way. Let’s work together in making this an exciting, world class and memorable event for all involved.
If you are interested in getting involved in the World Cup, contact Roan Mackintosh at 083 282 9499 or email him here
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