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Commonwealth Games hero launches campaign to find 500 triathlon volunteers in 2019

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International triathlon star and Leeds local hero, Jess Learmonth, is calling on the public to make their pledge to volunteer at two of Great Britain’s prestigious triathlon events next year.

The 2018 double Commonwealth Games silver medallist revealed that British Triathlon is now on the hunt for 500 Tri Maker volunteers to play a key role in the successful delivery of the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds and Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham, taking place 8-9 and 15 June 2019, respectively.

The announcement was delivered at a volunteer celebration evening in Leeds, paying tribute to the key individuals who have brought the sport to life in the city following the first instalment of ITU World Triathlon Leeds in 2016. The evening marked the official opening of volunteer applications for both UK legs of the series next season, where close to 100,000 spectators will gather to watch the world’s best in action over the two weekends.

Earlier this year, hundreds of individuals had the unique opportunity to go truly behind the scenes of both events by becoming Tri maker volunteers, with 72% of Leeds Tri Makers saying they would definitely be back again to make more memories in 2019.

Learmonth finished 8th in Leeds this year and was keen to emphasise the important role volunteers play at the event. She said:

“Volunteers are absolutely pivotal in the success of the ITU World Triathlon Series events in Leeds and Nottingham and play a crucial role in helping things run smoothly. It’s a great opportunity for the public to get even closer to the racing experience so I’d encourage anyone to sign up for 2019.”

British Triathlon, Chief Executive Officer, Andy Salmon said:

“Volunteers are at the very heart of our sport and, quite frankly, we simply couldn’t stage our events without their help. They have the ability to completely change the event experience for both competitors and spectators, so we’re now calling on prospective volunteers – experienced or first-timers – to join us to create something very special next June.” 

Wayne Coyle, Event Director at AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds, said:

“The AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds brings the city well and truly to life. It’s crucial that we have the very best team to help us deliver a world-class event that ensures both the thousands of individuals taking part, as well as those lining the streets to enjoy the action, leave the event with lasting memories of a fantastic weekend. We look forward to now beginning our volunteer recruitment process.”

Jonny Hamp, Event Director at Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham, said:

“With the event moving back to the weekend in 2019, we need our largest ever team of enthusiastic Tri Maker volunteers for the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham to help welcome the thousands of spectators and participants to Victoria Embankment on Saturday 15 June. The benefits of volunteering are widely documented from improved mental and physical well-being to enhancing your resume so please do sign up today and be part of this highly entertaining qualification event for Tokyo 2020!”

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:

“One of the key ingredients in the success of the World Triathlon series events in Leeds over the past three years has undoubtedly been the amazing contribution of volunteers. Their hard work, dedication and expertise has ensured that all of the events for both athletes and spectators over the weekend have been an enjoyable and unforgettable occasion, and we hope to see another great number of volunteers play an important part in AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds 2019.”

Cllr Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities said:

“Our volunteers had a great time on Victoria Embankment for last year’s event. Volunteers really make a difference to events and add to the atmosphere, not only for the athletes but also for the spectators. We want to build on the previous event’s success and to recruit lots more new faces of all ages and experience. It’s a great opportunity to have fun and meet new people while also getting the chance to get up-close to the action. I’d urge everybody to sign up as an event volunteer and join us as the city becomes the focus for another world-class event.”

Esther Britten, UK Sport Head of Major Events, said:

“As we’ve previously seen in Leeds and Nottingham, volunteers really bring the events to life while playing an important role to make it an experience to remember for both spectators and athletes. Whether it’s your first time or you are a seasoned volunteer, to be part of a major sport event is something really special and I would encourage everyone to be part of it.”

In six months’ time, the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds begins a week-long triathlon extravaganza on 8-9 June with the world’s best triathletes arriving in Millennium Square to take on the best of Britain in a race to collate all-important points for their ITU World Triathlon Series tally. Triathlon superstars from around the globe will then head to the East Midlands to team up for the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham on 15 June. The event acts as one of three global Mixed Relay Series events in 2019, with nations looking to bag themselves qualification the first ever Olympic Triathlon Mixed Relay medal in a 2020.

There are a huge variety of volunteer roles available, including, customer services roles, helping to look after the elite and mass participation triathletes, supporting swim start, transition and the finish line experience, supporting spectators, distributing passes to everyone working on the event, or working in the media centre to assist the many journalists and photographers from across the world, who will be covering the action over the week.

Everyone who signs up to become a volunteer Tri Maker will receive a free t-shirt, refreshments and a truly unique opportunity to be involved in one of Britain’s most prestigious triathlon events.

Tri Makers must be aged 16 or over, with 16 and 17-year-olds requiring parental permission before signing up.

To find out more about the range of opportunities available in Nottingham and Leeds or to sign up and take part, please visit the respective event websites: https://leeds.triathlon.org/volunteer or https://nottingham.triathlon.org/volunteers

If you have any questions you can also email trimakersleeds@britishtriathlon.org or trimakersnottingham@britishtriathlon.org

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