AGOC Celebrates International Volunteer Day

Doha, December 05 (QNA) - Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) celebrates on Monday International Volunteer Day, celebrated globally on December 5 to appreciate volunteer work in all fields. On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, HE Chairman of Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC), and Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the 4,000 volunteers working across the different areas of AGOC to help deliver a world-class regional sporting event from December 9th 23rd. Scheduled to kick off coming Friday, Arab Games Doha 2011, will feature 29 exciting sports and 6,000 athletes and officials from 21 Arab countries. "As our population grows, and knowledge and skills develop further, it is crucial that we tap into all the resources available to us. We strongly believe that our people are one of our most valuable resources. Therefore, we are proud that we have gathered a diverse group of volunteers, in terms of nationalities and expertise, to support us in the lead up to and during Arab Games Doha 2011," said Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. "Each one of our volunteers is making a difference and bringing together all the different pieces required to deliver the best Arab Games ever held. On behalf of AGOC, I extend my appreciation and endless support to each and every one of them" he said. For his part, AGOC Workforce Director Saadoun Al Kuwari commented by saying that all areas of AGOC currently operating at full potential, volunteers are supporting various functions of the games, including Accommodation, Cultural Events, Accreditation, Workforce Support, Protocol, Spectator Services, Transportation, Media Operations, Sports, Airport Services, Uniforms, National Olympic Committee (NOC) Services, and Other Support Services. The Arab Games Doha 2011 Volunteer Program is designed to equip volunteers with time management, teamwork, problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills, as well as the ability to take initiative and make a positive contribution to their teams. Further, the program aims to promote the concept of volunteering and community service in Qatar. Out of the 9,000 volunteers who registered, 6,500 were shortlisted for interviews, and 4,000 most qualified individuals were accepted to the Arab Games Doha 2011 Volunteers Program. In addition to the finalised volunteers, a team of volunteers is dedicated to any emergency needs. Volunteers have been drawn from previous sporting events held in Doha, such as the 15th Asian Games, World Indoor Championships, and 2010 Asian Cup. (QNA)