When many people think about large sporting competitions like the 2018 BC Summer Games, their thoughts invariably go to the athletes.

But aside from the coaches, parents and organizers, it含羞草研究社檚 the more than 2,300 volunteers that really bring the Games together. Led by Jennifer Woike and Mona Kaiser, sixteen members of the Board of Directors have coordinated approximately 125 volunteer chairs, each of whom has a committee of volunteers responsible for different aspects of the Games planning and operation.

Some work in food service, others are stationed at Cowichan Secondary where many of the athletes are being lodged. More volunteers are assigned to each venue, looking after security, guests and medal presentations.

For those preparing the meals, it can become a little overwhelming as steam fills the kitchen air and green shirts move between boiling pots of pasta, cooling stations and food service bins. The team of community members are preparing the food on a very large scale 含羞草研究社� enough to feed 2,373 athletes, 453 coaches and 246 officials.

含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檓 in shock,含羞草研究社� said Melinda. 含羞草研究社淲e just keep cooking and cooking.含羞草研究社�

As the athletes are burning so many calories as they train and compete, the menu is quite straight forward.

含羞草研究社淧enne, spaghetti, fresh vegetables and more,含羞草研究社� explained Jean. 含羞草研究社淲e want every athlete to be well fed. They deserve a positive experience.含羞草研究社�

During the BC Summer Games, thousands of pounds of food will be served to hard working athletes and their coaches.

Other volunteers include 16-year-old Noah Janssen, who received his Level 1 First Aid training through the Games and chose to spent his 17th birthday on the soccer pitch, volunteering as a First Aid attendant.

Norma and her daughter Megan, are part of the traffic direction volunteer team. They含羞草研究社檝e previously volunteered for the Nanaimo Seniors Games, last weekend含羞草研究社檚 Provincial Elder含羞草研究社檚 Gathering in Duncan, and also the Island Folk Festival happening this weekend, while working between shifts.

And when a food truck scheduled for the rowing events was forced to cancel, Ashley and her son Russel stepped in to provide a delectable assortment of goodies at the concession through her Maple Bay catering business. At the last minute, she went the extra mile to offer lemonade, muffins, cheesecake, and fruit cups.

Ashley even volunteered for all three days o competition, helping with concessions, making sure the set-up went okay and that each station had bins for garbage and electricity as needed.

- With files from Hayley Picard, Natasha Horsman and Sherry Durnford

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