More than 5000 people have applied to Volunteer at this year’s Sol2023 Pacific Games.

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC)’s Workforce Team confirmed receiving the mass number of submissions both online and in hard copies by close of applications yesterday.

“We can confirm receiving and recording approximately 3,129 application forms in our database. 2000 plus applications have yet to be encoded in the system with a further 800 expected to come in from various Sports Federations in the country,” GOC Volunteer Supervisor, Donisan Kelly said.

He said that as of next week, his team will commence the selection process starting with the shortlisting and interviewing of suitable applicants.

Explaining the process, Kelly said, “The shortlisting and interview process will be done using a system designed to identify applicants with specific skills, and group them accordingly. It is also based on the various Games times volunteer roles that applicants have selected”.

“This enables us to easily collect and contact the relevant applicants for the interview process”.

Kelly said that they are expecting more applications to come from Sports Federations in the country.

“We are expecting an additional 800 applications to come from sports federations in the country – from the 24 sports that will be competed at this year’s Games. These are based on recommendations and approvals from each of these respective federations,” Kelly said.

Kelly also clarified that from the 5000 plus applications received, only 3000 will be selected.

“Only 3000 volunteers will be selected, however there are many other ways to get involved with the Games, through our Community Groups program, Team Solomons or as a spectator”.

GOC meanwhile thanked the public for showing interest and support towards the Games Volunteer program.

“The GOC is overwhelmed by the interest in volunteering for the Games and we appreciate the support from the community. We were looking to recruit only 3,000 volunteers and could not believe that we have exceeded our goal in less than a month”, Kelly said.

The Games Volunteer program was launched April 15th and closed yesterday.

Source: GOC Media