The 2004 Saskatchewan Summer Games is in need of several hundred more volunteers to act as security personnel, drive buses, treat possible injuries and serve food to athletes.

Chantelle Ernst, co-ordinator of the Summer Games, said they need between 1,500 and 2,000 volunteers to make the Games a successful event. Currently, they have about 900 volunteers signed up.

Ernst said they are in need of bus drivers to transport athletes to their events, security personnel for the Athlete's Village at Queen Elizabeth and Weyburn Comprehensive School, 24-hour security for the major sporting venues, first responders and medical staff in case of injuries, and food servers at the Athlete's Villages.

Anyone wanting to volunteer can fill out an application form at the Summer Games office, located in the Weyburn Square Mall, or online at: www.summergames.ca

A police check is required for volunteers directly dealing with athletes, she said.

Also, volunteers must attend one of three information sessions in the next two weeks to be accredited and receive their uniforms.

The first night is on Monday, July 26, from 7-10 p.m. The second is on Wednesday, July 28, from 1-4 p.m. The third is on Thursday, July 29, from 7-10 p.m.

All three info sessions will be held at the Weyburn Comprehensive School Cafetorium.

Volunteers with the Games receive a discounted admission package for $10, said Ernst. The package entitles volunteers to enter any venue for the entire week of the Games, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, for free.

The cost for non-volunteers is $15 for the entire week, plus $5 for the opening and closing ceremonies. They also get a volunteer T-shirt and access to the hospitality lounge.

Volunteers needed for set-up

Also, volunteers are needed prior to the Games to help with setting up the Athlete's Villages at the Comp and QE. The work will be done from July 26-30 in the afternoon and evening.

Help is also needed to set up bleachers at all the major venues, she said, and on Tuesday, Aug. 3, volunteers are needed to set up snow fences at the venues.

Anyone who wants to help with the set-up of the Athlete's Villages, bleachers or snow fences should call the Games office.

Ernst noted that the Games staff will hold the grand opening of the track at the Weyburn Comprehensive School on Sunday, July 25. The grand opening will be at 1 p.m., and there will be a barbecue prior to the opening. Proceeds go to the Summer Games.

This event will be held in conjunction with the Zone 1 Pep Rally, to be held at the Comprehensive School.

The Saskatchewan Summer Games will be held Aug. 8-14 in Weyburn, with opening ceremonies on Sunday, Aug. 8.