WRPS needs volunteers for upcoming Special Olympic Ontario Spring Games

Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) are seeking volunteers to help with the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games. The region is hosting the games from May 23 to May 26 this year.

It’s the first time WRPS are hosting the Special Olympic Provincial Games, which have been hosted annually by different police services since 1996.

Volunteers are needed to ensure the games go off without a hitch and to help create memorable experiences for the athletes.

Cherri Greeno, the director of corporate communications and public relations for WRPS said they are excited to be able to host the games and showcase the generosity of Waterloo Region.

 “This call for volunteers is really a chance for the community and us to work together to make these athletes really have the best experience,” said Greeno.

WRPS is looking for about 500 people from the community to sign up. They need volunteers to help with scorekeeping, timekeeping, refereeing, venue set-up and tear-down, opening and closing ceremonies as well as providing hospitality to athletes.

“They’ll be part of an amazing experience and helping athletes achieve the dream that they have been working so hard for, for several years.”

“We’re the main hosts of this but its really a community event,” added Greeno.

They anticipate the 2024 Special Olympic Spring Games will bring about 2,500 people to Waterloo Region in May. Athletes, coaches, spectators, and volunteers will be coming to the region for the games.

Some of the events taking place include basketball, gymnastics, powerlifting, and 10-pin bowling.

The games were originally planned for 2020 but they had to postpone the event due to the pandemic and COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We were gearing up for the 2020 games but that was obviously delayed due to COVID, so we’ve been waiting for this to come back to us and it has now. We’re just very, very excited and honoured and proud to have the chance to host in Waterloo Region.”