WRJC Volunteers: “We’ve had a real buzz!”

With just 19 days to go until the deadline for nominations in the Volunteer and Coach of the Year Awards, we catch up with a couple of first-time volunteers at the World Junior Rowing Championships to see just what is so special about helping out at a rowing event.

Andrew Johnson and Nigel Vines both got involved in volunteering ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games and were allocated rowing by chance, before finding themselves at Eton Dorney last week tasked with helping out at the 2011 WRJC.

“I was allocated rowing, but I’ve absolutely loved being down by the water,” said Johnson.

“Rowing is something I’ve always wanted to do, it’s just a case of finding the right place to go.

“I’d love to come back and do this again.”

Over 500 volunteers took part in the 2011 WRJC, contributing to the enormous success of the London 2012 test event.

“I just enjoyed the whole experience really,” said Vines, who has previously volunteered for the Rugby Football Union. “Seeing the crews coming in was great, and so was working with the media team.

“We’ve had a real buzz from helping this event run smoothly,” he added. “It’s been great.”

Rowing volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport, and nominations to recognise their achievements at the Volunteer and Coach of the Year Awards can be submitted up until August 31st.

Winners will be invited to join British Rowing chairman Di Ellis at the Awards Lunch on Saturday 19th November, at The Watermen’s Hall in London.

For more information on the Volunteer and Coach of the Year awards and how to submit your nominations, click here.