Athletics volunteers working towards 2009
The organisers of the athletic events recently held a meeting to attract possible volunteers and 25 people attended.
- - These people will form the core, but we need as many again. A few people were not able to come to the meeting, but have already signed up. Apart from sports officials we also need people to perform other functions, such as guards during the throwing events and approximately seven people to handle the results. These functions don't require athletics knowledge as such.
Kennet is confident that he will get the number of volunteers he requires. There will be a course on rules and regulations on February 11, for all volunteers to attend. Every winter regular indoor competitions are held in Eckeröhallen and these will be excellent opportunities for less experienced officials to take more responsibility and gain confidence. Thanks to these training opportunities, only local officials will be used during the Games
New Equipment
Hosting the Island Games has led to an overall improvement of athletics facilities. The city of Mariehamn has allocated money for new equipment. In May (weather permitting) the running track will be refurbished and a new electronic scoreboard has already arrived from the US. The board will be used during medal ceremonies to show the medallists' names, and also for some results. The course for the half marathon has been decided. It is spectator friendly and the organisers have tried to keep away from the busiest roads. The only thing remaining is a certification by an accredited official.
Janne on the track
It is not often that Åland's most successful athlete competes on home soil, but next summer the local fans might see him race at the Games.
- - It depends on the Europa Cup, which take place a week before the Games. He will probably take part in a track race. He hasn't decided what distance yet, but he is interested.
Feedback from the islands
There haven't been a lot of comments from the other islands, but there are concerns regarding the programme that was decided due to the new by-laws. There are a few event clashes, which will be an issue for the technical committee to discuss.
- - We are going to look at the programme and try and make some amendments in order to make the best arrangements possible for the athletes. We will send out the information to the islands before enrolment.
The Athletics Co-ordinator is Kenneth Andersson
