Volunteer pumped for 2022 Games
The 1,000th person to submit a volunteer application for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games can’t wait for the multi-sport event to begin next August.
“I am looking forward to the social aspect of it and being around people again,” Christina Notario said. “I think that will be really great.”
She is encouraging others to get involved in the 2022 Canada Games as well.
“After the pandemic, it is a great opportunity to be united with the people again and be with other people. Being in lockdown, everyone has missed that for so long and I think this is a great way to get back into it, meet new people, be encouraged by one another and cheer each other on.”
The 26-year-old Toronto native moved to Niagara four years ago because she was looking to get out of the city and her parents lived in Niagara Falls. She works for Accenture, a company which recently became the first Official Diversity and Inclusion Partner of any Canada Games. In its role with the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, the company will help create a welcoming environment for all regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, age or disability.
Accenture’s involvement in the 2022 Canada Games was one of the factors that prompted Notario to volunteer for the event.
“It was a combination of that and other things. I thought it was really cool that I worked for a company that supported diversity but I also thought it would be a good way to get involved with the community, especially since I haven’t done that since I moved here with the pandemic going on.”
She feels it is important for people to get involved with their communities.
“I definitely feel it can improve your quality of living if you get involved and go out and meet new people. I am a very social person and, especially after the pandemic, I am ready to get out in the community and learn more about it.”
Notario didn’t participate in any sports when she was younger but she enjoys watching sports.
“I also love the way that sports ties everyone together. The sports community is so great because everyone is so nice and supportive. I like being a supportive person.”
Her favourite sports to watch are basketball and tennis but she didn’t ask for any specific sport or role as a volunteer with the 2022 Games.
“I requested anything that I could be around people and help in customer facing things and being able to talk to people. That would be a cool volunteer position.”
To apply to become a Games-time volunteer, visit: https://niagara2022games.ca/get-involved/volunteering/.
