by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioSports.com

Whenever London hosts a significant sports event – whether it’s the World Figure Skating Championships, or the annual London Devilettes hockey tournament – the spotlight is rightfully shone on the event and its economic spinoffs.

And just like a younger sibling who seeks admiration from an older brother or sister, Londoners are always seeking a pat on the back for their ability to successfully host a national or international sporting event. As Londoners, resting in the shadows of Toronto, this has always been in our DNA.

But the true strength of London’s ability to pull off a successful tournament, championship, festival or games rests in its volunteer army. Volunteering, too, is part of who we are as Londoners. After all, U.S. Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, who, after the Pearl Harbour attack, led a squadron of volunteer Army bombers, once quipped, “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”

With the London-hosted 2018 Ontario Summer Games slated for August 2-5, the host committee has put out a call for 1,000 volunteers. Ever since London hosted a highly-successful 2001 Canada Summer Games, we have had a template in place for sourcing and supporting a volunteer army.

Although not on the same scale as a Memorial Cup when it comes to bringing national and international attention to London, the Ontario Summer Games are a big deal – both in terms of economic spinoffs and in once again boosting our image as a big-time event host. In addition to $1 million the province is giving the city to host the Games, Tourism London estimates an economic spinoff of more than $6 million.

“The Ontario Summer Games will be hosted during the long weekend in August,” said Games general manager Dave De Kelver. “We’re bringing in 3,500 athletes and their coaches, family and friends, plus officials. We’re expecting 7,500 people to attend our opening ceremonies. They’ll be staying at hotels in the downtown and in south London.

“We’re not a holiday destination,” De Kelver added, “but this is a big deal for local tourism.”

Dave De Kelver

De Kelver knows a thing or two about volunteering, and about hosting events. He’s the Airshow London executive director, and has volunteered with the organizing committees of numerous London-hosted, big-time sports events, including the 2005 and 2014 Memorial Cup tournaments, and 2013 World Figure Skating Championships.

With 21 sports on board with the 2018 Ontario Summer Games, De Kelver said there’s something for every potential volunteer to get excited about, now that volunteer registration has opened.

“If you’re passionate about sports, whether you’re a rugby fan, a lacrosse fan or a golf fan, then you’ll be interested in volunteering when these elite young athletes come to London,” De Kelver said.

In 2006, when London Hunt and Country Club hosted the LPGA Tour’s CN Canadian Women’s Open, Golf Canada called London “a major league town.” Tourism Ontario once dubbed our city “the capital of Canada for sporting events.”

2018 Ontario Summer Games mascot Pachi the Porcupine

We may not have a CFL nor NHL team, but without a doubt London is a big-league player in the sports tourism game. The City recognized this in its 2012-2016 Business Plan Summary, which includes an important Tourism and Sports Attraction and Services section.

“Hosting major sporting events in a community contributes significantly to economic and sport development, raises community profile, heightens community spirit, engages the community and utilizes community infrastructure. Hosting also increases social and health benefits and puts sport and active living at the centre of civic activity,” stated the business plan.

But when you get past all of the glitz and glamour, you realize the strength of the Forest City hosting sports events rests in the hearts of its volunteers. We’ll see this again in August when 1,000 volunteers work behind the scenes at the Ontario Summer Games.

For volunteer information, visit http://www.london2018.ca/volunteer .

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Jeffrey Reed is a long-time member of the London sports media, and publisher/editor of LondonOntarioSports.com, and LondonOntarioGolf.com. Have a story idea for Jeffrey? Reach him at jeff@londonontariosports.com.