As more than 4,000 volunteers contribute their time and talents to the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games (August 6-21), Niagara College’s Carol Phillips is at the centre of the action as Volunteer Services Committee Chair.
Phillips, who is Interim Dean, Community Services, Justice and Fitness Studies, got involved with the Canada Games early on to help bring Canada’s largest multi-sport event to her community, drawing on her interests in sport and professional background in recreation. Supporting the Games’ volunteer complement, including members of the NC community, has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her.
Phillips says that 459 registered Canada Games volunteers indicated that they are NC alumni and about 200 registered volunteers indicated that they are from the NC community (current employees and students).
InsideNC caught up with Phillips to learn about her leadership role with the Canada Games.
How did you get involved with the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games?
I was involved in the initial bid process to bring the Games to Niagara, so I knew back then that I would be involved with them if the bid was successful. After the confirmation that Niagara would be hosting the Games, a Canada Games Council Board Member reached out to ask if I would join the Games Services Committee and I jumped at the chance. The Games Services Committee has been meeting since 2019 on a monthly basis.
How does your professional/personal background inform your role as Volunteer Services Committee Chair?
I come from a recreation and sport background, both as an athlete, coach and professional in the field. The Volunteer Services Committee Chair is a leadership role. Through Niagara College, I have honed these skills as a Program Coordinator, Associate Dean and current Interim Dean.
What sports have you been involved in?
I love all sports – I have played basketball at university, touch football in national tournaments and softball/fastball on travel teams. I have coached girls travel basketball for many years.
How do you support Canada Games volunteers through your role? Will you be involved in the action at the various host venues?
My role is to support the Volunteer Services Committee team and their work in supporting the thousands of volunteers who are contributing to the Games. The Canada Games are a volunteer-led multi-sport event, and as a result there are many staff and volunteers providing a phenomenal Games experience for athletes, families and community members. Specifically Volunteer Services ensures that volunteers are registered and accredited, screened, trained, oriented, scheduled, and appreciated. In my role, I am involved in the action at all the venues across Niagara – so fortunate!
Why is volunteering for the Games important to you? What are you taking from this experience?
Sports have been an important part of my whole life and have influenced who I am as a person. I appreciate the coaches and other volunteers who helped make my participation in sport possible. I believe strongly in the power of community engagement and community building. I know that I am a better person for having been in the Games, and I know the Region is better for hosting them. My experience with the Games has been outstanding. To be connected with others who see the value of sport, youth and community is transformational.
Can people still sign up to volunteer with the Games?
Yes! Visit niagara2022games.ca/get-involved/volunteering/ or call the Meridian Volunteer Centre at 905-228-2103 to learn more.
Carol Phillips (light blue shirt) with members of the N22 Canada Games broadcast crew at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland, a host venue for soccer competitions.
