Volunteers sought for summer Senior Olympics at UA

The event will take place at the University of Arizona from May 21-28.

Ruth Baker, a volunteer recruiter for the Senior Olympics, said the event is looking for volunteers from the UA.

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in volunteering are invited to attend a training session April 27 at the Tucson Convention Center ballroom from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The training session will be conducted to prepare volunteers for the Volunteer Orientation Fair May 4, Baker said.

She said the fair, also held at the convention center, will train volunteers for events and activities at the Senior Olympics.

Free parking for both time slots will be provided by the TCC in Lot B.

Baker said people who are unable to attend April 27 are encouraged to go to the May 4 orientation fair.

"We are starting with students because they are young and energetic, and they have nice muscles," Baker said.

Volunteers for the event will receive a volunteer badge that allows free transportation on Sun Tran during the week of May 21-28 and a pass to get into every Senior Classic event except for the parade of athletes, she said.

"People who volunteer will have the enjoyment of working with older people who are dedicated to keeping healthy and keeping active," Baker said.

The Senior Olympics expects to host over 10,000 athletes, ages 50 and up, plus 15,000 family and friends during the week.

The eight-day event will feature athletes competing in 18 sports, as well as providing daily social and entertainment activities for both athletes and spectators.

"I think it is up to the people of Tucson to make this a special event for all the competitors," Baker said.

Sign-up forms are available from the Associated Students office, located above the UA Associated Students Bookstore.

For the orientation fair, volunteers are encouraged to sign-up for a specific shift, either from 8:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Volunteers can indicate which shift they prefer on their sign-up forms.

Those interested in signing up by computer should send an e-mail message to voltucson@aol.com. E-mail users should indicate in their message what specific times they are available to volunteer.

Potential volunteers can call 886-6500 extension 24 for more information.