November 26, 2009
Media contact: Kim Lawrence
Cell: 604-302-6257
Office: 604-864-4611
kim.lawrence@ufv.ca
VANOC hiring hundreds of students,
seeks local Friends of Games
With the kick-off to the 2010 Winter Games less than 80 days away, the Organizing Committee for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is putting the final pieces of its support network into place. There’s still an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to get involved in a very focused and meaningful way – by sponsoring a student.
Nearly 2000 BC post-secondary students – 135 of which are from the University of the Fraser Valley – have applied for hundreds of positions connected to the Games and are going through interviews and screening procedures this month. Successful students will undertake a three-month work term from January to March 2010, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as accreditation, broadcast, editorial services, energy services, event services, food services, international client services, logistics, sport production, transportation, and press operations.
VANOC is looking for organizations wishing to experience the spirit of the Games by sponsoring a student – or several – for their work term. Participating organizations will be recognized publicly, can build a pool of future candidates for employment, and may achieve Friends of the Games status, which includes a position in the Olympic Torch Relay and access to hard-to-get tickets for events.
“This is a great opportunity for UFV students to showcase their skills and abilities as they work on the most élite international event organized on the planet,” says Dr. Deborah Bartlette, director of the university’s Career Centre. “Not only will they benefit from the immersive learning environment and the sheer excitement of being a part of something so significant, but they will also build important networks of contacts that will be instrumental in helping them build careers once they graduate.”
Sponsorship of one student costs $7500. Sponsoring 20 students qualifies an organization for the Bronze level “Friends of the Games” package, while 35 sponsorships qualifies for a Silver-level package, and
70 sponsorships gets the Gold. Sponsors can request that their contribution be applied to a student from a certain institution or region, and VANOC will arrange the match with students and handle all logistics related to employment and compensation.
For further information on this VANOC program, contact Paula Bond at tel: 604 403-9330 or email Paula_Bond@vancouver2010.com .
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