Better Winnipeg: Get in the game by volunteering for Canada Summer Games 2017

WINNIPEG — The 2017 Canada Summer Games kicks off in Winnipeg in eight months, but the time to register as a volunteer is now.

Online registration is open and accepting applications. Organizers said they’re hoping for 6,000 volunteers to fill a range of roles.

From a mascot, to the unveiling of merchandise, Winnipeg is inching closer to the Canada Summer Games.

“Volunteers for us are really at the core of this huge event,” said Sachit Mehra, community relations co-chair for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Volunteers for us are really at the core of this huge event," said Sachit Mehra, community relations co-chair for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

“We’re looking for people on the administration side, security side, transportation side, food and drinks, dining room. You name it we will take it,” Mehra said.

RELATED: Gearing up for the 2017 Canada Summer Games

Applications are starting to make their way into the volunteer office.

Kim Berley Pododworny is among the first group of people to register.

“It’s big. It reminds me of the Pan Am Games and I remember the fun I had,” Pododworny said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's big. It reminds me of the Pan Am Games and I remember the fun I had," Pododworny said.

She has a collection of volunteer keepsakes from events dating back several decades. From the Juno Awards in 2014 to the Grey Cup, and many more.

Her photo identification card filled with collector pins from the 1999 Pan American Games, which is her favourite memento.

Pododworny recommends volunteering to anyone she knows.

“It’s the best way to see something. Go volunteer at an event like kayaking and you’re right there. It’s so much fun,  it really is,” Pododworny said.

“Volunteering is such a personal thing,” adds Mehra.

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“It’s giving back to the community. It’s empowering yourself. It’s about sharing some expertise that you might have but also about learning something new.”

Online registration is setup to make the process easy and convenient. Along with all the volunteer jobs, is a description of each role. You must be 16-years-old and willing to commit 36 hours.

Time goes a long way to helping the athletes, Mehra said.

“Being there to provide that atmosphere that makes it easy for somebody to have their success.”

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Volunteer training begins in January. Volunteer registration information is on the Canada Games website.