Volvo Ocean Race trophy stops over in Dunmore to recruit volunteers

By JACQUELINE HOGGE SCHOOLCHILDREN in Dunmore were treated to a special visitor this week as the Volvo Ocean Race trophy arrived at two schools in the town. The countdown is on to the grand finale of one of the world's toughest sporting challenges, with Galway set to host the final leg of this year's competition in July. Transition Year students at Dunmore Community School and children at Dunmore National School got to view the impressive cup as well as hear all about the mammoth ocean race from Captain Brian Sheridan, Galway Harbour Master. The secondary school students were also invited to participate in the event itself, through a volunteering programme that requires 1,200 people in the run up to and during the eight-day festival. [private] TY co-ordinator Sinead Canny said the class of 15 girls and two boys were very much looking forward to signing up to the programme as it would tie in with their final week of work placement in May. 'The class undertake three weeks of work placement throughout the year that relate to the areas in which they are interested in pursuing as a career,' she said. 'They have done one in October and the next one is in February but this opportunity gives them a chance to experience something totally different and they seem very excited and enthusiastic at the prospect of getting involved in the Volvo Ocean Race experience.' Mary Jo Parker, Head of Volunteer Programme for the Volvo Ocean Race, who is originally from Dunmore, said there was a variety of roles available to the students who, she said, would never forget the experience of being involved in something so massive on a sporting, cultural and social scale. 'The Volvo Ocean Race is providing an opportunity for people to become involved in this fantastic event, volunteering their time and skills to help make this event as great a success as the previous one,' she said. The country is crying out for something positive at the moment and Galway is in a fantastic position to provide that boost over the coming months as we prepare for the biggest event the city has ever hosted. 'The Volunteer Programme's Call To Action will be launched next month and we will be advertising for volunteers across a spectrum of different roles, that will be open to everyone. 'There are many different positions available that you can accomplish having one day or one week to invest in the event. It's all hands on deck so anyone who would like to volunteer for a position to join the crew, they can fill in an application form online at www.volvooceanracegalway.com' Meanwhile, the children at Dunmore National School were regaled with stories from Captain Brian Sheridan on all that is involved in the race, which is one of the world's toughest endurance sports. The youth education schools programme, Ocean Explorers, is part of the Volvo Ocean Race Galway event and is aimed specifically at children and young adults ranging from eight to 18 years old. The programme aims to educate young people through an Ocean Explorers theme that engages them in the excitement and adventure of the race, which has a unique global reach, with stopovers in Asia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. 'The Volvo Ocean Race has proved to be the required springboard for Galway schoolchildren to hook up with all things nautical that can be found as part of the Youth Education Programme,' said Capt Sheridan. 'The Ocean Explorers is a great platform for school children to learn about the oceans, how important they are to us and the need to mind, cherish and protect all things that happen in the deep blue sea. 'With the development of the port, the upcoming generation of school goers will be the creative and innovative minds of 21st century Ireland and we have an opportunity to lead the way in cruise tourism, ocean energy and marine research in Galway.' [/private]