Organisers of IRONKIDS Scotland, a series of three fun and family-friendly running events for young people aged 3 to 14 of all abilities in Midlothian, East Lothian and Edinburgh on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 June, are providing opportunities for young volunteers between the ages of 16 and 26 from the local communities to work alongside and learn from the event management teams in event delivery roles.
Volunteering with IRONKIDS Scotland offers young people a great opportunity to learn new skills, boost their CV’s, build volunteer hours and to learn from industry specialists in event management, event media and marketing and sports development. They will also have the added benefit of working alongside IRONKIDS Scotland‘s Project Coordinator, Catriona Morrison MBE, former multi World Champion duathlete and multi World Championship medal winning triathlete, at the events.
The volunteer roles available at each venue include:
- Course marshalling: help at race venues to direct athletes as they warm up and as they take part in their runs.
- Registration: help to register young athletes on the day and get them set up for their big race.
- Start line helpers: help athletes get ready for their race and build an exciting atmosphere as they set off.
- Finish line helpers: congratulate runners as they cross the finish line and award medals.
Catriona Morrison, IRONKIDS Scotland‘s Project Coordinator, said: “We are looking for young volunteers to help at each of the race venues. We would love to see both individuals and groups of young people signing up to fulfil the roles. And better still they will only be required for about three hours. Our volunteer roles at IRONKIDS events also include an IRONMAN t-shirt.
“This is not only a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, boost your CV, build volunteer hours and meet new people, it is also a great way to learn what it is like “behind the scenes” at a sporting event. We often take part in races but this is a chance to help run an event for other young people and to learn about roles like registration and course marshalling. A great way to get practical experience in event management and to help others.”
IRONKIDS Scotland, a key part of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 celebrations and an exciting addition to the IRONMAN 70.3 Edinburgh triathlon race weekend for 2018, will be staging have-a-go age group runs of between 500m and 2km at Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith [from 16:00] on Friday 29 June, Preston Links, Prestonpans [from 11:00] on Saturday 30 June and Holyrood Park, Edinburgh [from 15:00] on Saturday 30 June.
The IRONKIDS Scotland events have a firm focus on participation for all with age group races of between 500m and 2km. Each event will incorporate a strong family element with spectator friendly courses, free live entertainment, activities and sports taster sessions, whilst at the same time inspiring children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
On the day volunteers will join other young volunteers who have already been involved in the co-design of the free family focused event entertainment, activities and sports taster sessions being laid on.
Fergus White (12) from Ross High School, Tranent, who is taking on the role of Assistant Commentator at all three IRONKIDS events, said: “Volunteering for IRONKIDS Scotland has given me a lot of amazing opportunities already.
“I have met new people in the triathlon world, including Graham Coull who commentates all around the country at different events. I even got the chance to commentate at the Stirling Triathlon with him to gain experience for the upcoming IRONKIDS events, which was great fun. Getting involved with IRONKIDS has been a great opportunity for me and I think that others would benefit from the volunteer roles being offered at IRONKIDS.”
Each IRONKIDS Scotland event is only £4.00 per person (plus a small booking fee) to enter. Entry includes a keepsake IRONKIDS T-shirt to wear to race in and a Finishers Medal. You can register in advance online (www.ironman.com/edinburgh70.3) and entries will also be available on the day (credit/debit card only).
The IRONKIDS Scotland series of have a go running events are the newest addition to the hugely popular IRONKIDS global series of children’s events, staged alongside the legendary IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon events, with 50,000 young people across the world taking part every year.
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