HUNDREDS of volunteers who helped make the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games run smoothly have been praised for their efforts.
The volunteers – nicknamed the Orange Army – have won praise from the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Michael Fennell, Olympic athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and even His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex.
Around 600 volunteers filled a number of roles throughout the games which took place from September 8 to September 12. These included team liaison officers, media officials, technical officials and ball boys and girls.
Speaking at a special reception for the Commonwealth organising committee, which was hosted by Douglas Mayor Ritchie McNicholl at Douglas Town Hall, Mr Fennell said the Island could be "justifiably proud" for receiving its international guests so warmly and mounting the games so successfully.
Jacqui Dawson, deputy volunteer coordinator, explained that the recruitment process for volunteers began 18 months ago. She said: "Immediately there was a fantastic response. Employers have given staff time off and the whole community got behind it. Everyone's been buzzing on the atmosphere of the last few days."
Anderson Lim, a swimmer from Brunei, praised the volunteers. He said: "They've been just great. They were at the airport and they've been around the pool. They are always helpful, they're always kind - it just gives you a good feeling about the place."
Dame Kelly Holmes echoed these sentiments after travelling to the games in her position as president of the Commonwealth Games England. She tweeted: "Brilliant day today totally shattered but worth three days of my time to support @IOMCYG2011 Lovely Manx people! Lovely Island, thanks."
Geoff Karran, chairman of the Commonwealth Youth Games, said: "I'm so proud of the people of the Isle of Man who've rallied round so magnificently. We set out to create a friendly atmosphere and the Orange Army has certainly delivered that."
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