ONE OF THE main partners for the Commonwealth Youth Games is encouraging all Island businesses to get involved in volunteering to help stage the event in September.

Britannia International has launched a campaign to urge businesses to encourage and support their staff to find the 1,500 volunteers necessary for the smooth running of the Games

The company has set an example by offering the services of three members of its staff to act as team liaison officers, providing the main point of contact for visiting nations when they are on the Island.

Other staff have volunteered to help in the pre-Games administration and publicity and more will be helping out with the events and assisting visiting competitors during the Games period.

Britannia International managing director Mark Beresford said, "We actively support and encourage staff wanting to participate in the community and find it rewarding for both our people and the business alike. It contributes to staff enjoyment, motivation and development at the same time as providing valued input into the community.

"Obviously we need to manage the demands of such activity with the demands of the business and we have a volunteering policy in place to ensure this balance is maintained. I would encourage all Island businesses to consider what they can do to allow their people to participate in this event and make sure our visitors leave with a really positive experience of their time in the Isle of Man."  

CYG2011 organising chairman Geoff Karran added, “The Games are a great opportunity for us to showcase the Island to representatives from around the world. A major part of the event’s success will be down to people volunteering, with anything from a few hours of their time through to assistance throughout the Games.”

If you would like more information on how you, or your business, can get involved in this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games contact enquiries@cyg2011.com or visit www.cyg2011.com to download a volunteer application form.