Volunteers For SEA Games And ASEAN Para Games Must Serve Like 'Ambassadors'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Volunteers selected for the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games (KL2017) must adhere to seven guidelines to offer their best service throughout the games said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The main necessity is for volunteers to become ‘ambassadors’ to the country to play their role effectively in every area instead of just carrying out the task given to them because they (volunteers) are an important asset and part of any major games, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SEA Games, he said. "For example in Rio, volunteers were a major part of the games, providing all sorts of services, and it was the same in the Singapore edition of the SEA games and in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games because they engaged volunteers who had vast knowledge and were friendly. "I hope our volunteers or WAU factor can also offer a similar service to those seeking help. Do not just focus on the task given to them but assist whenever someone needs help. They must also maintain discipline at all times,” he told reporters after briefing 5,000 of the 14,000 volunteers recruited for the games, at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here Sunday. The 14,000 volunteers selected for the games - students from schools, higher learning institutions, professionals and retirees - attended special training and courses to prepare them for their respective duties that would be assigned to them later. The volunteers ranged from a 16-year-old to an 82-year-old. "Many things will happen throughout the 14 days of competition. The volunteers must therefore, communicate effectively because one weakness can give a negative impact. One important aspect that must be given serious consideration is the competition schedule of athletes," he said. The SEA Games is scheduled from Aug 19-30 while the ASEAN Para Games takes place from Sept 17-23 but football competition for the SEA Games starts on Aug 14. "Wau Factor" is a combination of basic factors and features such as Positive, Dedicated, Perseverance and Courage that make Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games (KL2017) a special event for volunteers.