“We Want You!” is a brand new campaign just launched by North West 200 organisers and designed to attract the next generation of volunteer helpers. Led by Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte MBE, each year over 850 willing helpers come together to make the Kennedy International North West 200 in association with Coca Cola Zero into one of Ireland’s top sporting spectaculars.
With an eye to the future and with funding secured from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the NW200’s new business and operations manager Laura McManus has led the team which has created a smart advertising campaign which specially targets younger people aged 18 to 25. The 48, 6 sheet and leaflet campaign which went live on 4th May, features a leather clad female ‘Stig like’ character and calls on the general public to consider becoming part of the North West 200 team.
NW200 volunteer opportunities include marshalling on practice nights and Race Day, building and managing course hardware, joining the medical teams and general event management. “The possibilities are endless” emphasizes Laura McManus, “In fact not only do volunteers gain valuable skills for their CV but they also get to meet lots of new people from all walks of life and experience the dynamism of international road racing.”
Launched in time for this year’s 80th Anniversary Race on 16th May, the campaign will be developed over the next 12 months in a bid to secure more volunteer help for 2010 and new recruits can expect structured training courses with the NW200 team working closely with the Volunteer Development Agency to promote and expand the project throughout Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.northwest200.org and click on ‘volunteers’, pick up at leaflet during this year’s Race Festival Week or phone Laura McManus on 028 7035 3080.
This year’s Kennedy International North West 200 in association with Coca-Cola Zero takes place on Saturday 16th May and roads close at 10am. Practice Nights are Tuesday 12th and Thursday 14th May with roads closing at 5 pm.
