Watch: Malta GSSE 2023 Volunteering Programme launched

The GSSE 2023 Volunteering Programme was launched on Friday morning at an event hosted by the Maltese Olympic Committee and SportMalta and which was also attended by Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Research, Innovation and Youth and a number of other guests.

Welcoming those present was Local Organising Committee chairman Mark Cutajar who started off by congratulating the results achieved by Maltese tennis players Francesca Curmi and Elaine Genovese who brought a silver medal to Malta from their participation at the Mediterranean Games. 

He said that this success augurs well and serves as a motivation for other athletes to continue their commitment to preparing for these Games. 

Cutajar went on to explain that recent statistics on volunteer engagement show that this is not an easy task, however, there has been a lot of background work with several entities both from a government side as well as other private entities to assist in attracting volunteers from all sectors of society. 

“This will also bring about more awareness of the Games and eventual support throughout the event,” Cutajar said.

Speaking at the event was Ian Restall, who has countless hours of volunteering time, and who explained that volunteering is an enriching experience that will leave an indelible mark on all those involved.   

Joining him was Joseph Cassar, who also has a wealth of experience in volunteer co-ordination and who will be co-ordinating the Volunteer Programme for 2023. 

Maltese Olympic Committee vice president and chef de mission for the Games, Paul Sultana highlighted the volunteers’ vital role and the considerable need for a strong pool of volunteers who will be contributing to a positive experience for the estimated 1,000 athletes, 500 officials across 10 disciplines and 11 venues. 

Sultana concluded by thanking Joseph Cassar who, together with his team, have been undertaking crucial work with various institutions to engage volunteers such as MCAST, IPES and ITS who have committed their support towards these campaigns. 

On his part, Minister Clifton Grima said: “Substantial preparations are being made for this sporting event and today we are taking another step by making this call for all those who wish to participate as volunteers.  

“A lot of work is underway in preparation for this event, which is not only related to infrastructural work in sports facilities, but there also organizational work, consultation and coordination meetings,” he said.

“We are involving everyone in this organization because we want it to be an experience that not only our athletes enjoy, but also the people in general.”

Thow who wish to be part of the GSSE 2023 Volunteers’ Programme are invited to register their interest online via this link – https://nocmalta.org/gsse-2023/ 

Interested parties will be invited to undergo an interview and subsequent training will also be given.