1. How to become a volunteer?
Official registrations will begin in February 2020. Visit us again this fall to fill out the pre-registration form.
You can also consult the Volunteer’s Guide, which will answer many of your questions and will give you a good idea of what it’s like to be a volunteer with us.
2. Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
The minimum age to volunteer independently is 14 years old. Some tasks are, however, reserved to adults.
Children aged 10 to 13 can also sign up but they must be accompanied by an adult who will be on the site with them. The adult must accompany the young volunteer and make sure he is on-time, diligent and follows the rules.
3. What types of activities are done by volunteers?
Défi sportif AlterGo offers volunteer activities to suit all interests. There are over 80 teams spread across seven sectors :
- Services to individuals: reception on competition sites, hotels and at Aéroport de Montréal, clerk at the competition sites’ cafeterias.
- Assistance for on-site sports competitions: Scorekeeper, timekeeper, results and anti-doping agent, etc.
- Material resources: assembly and dismantling, store clerk.
- Entertainment: entertainment area and opening ceremonies agents, mascots, tour guides.
- Transportation: Drivers and assistant drivers.
- Protocol: Agents at awards ceremony, guest escorts.
- Medical team
4. To volunteer, do I have to be available every day?
No. You choose the available time slots you have during the week. They can range from 3 to 7 hours, depending on the activity and requirements of the area. When registering, each period is described at length.
5. Can a friend, family member or colleague volunteer at the same place as me?
In the official registration form, available in february, there is a “Comments” section just below the activity selection window. Just write: “I would like to be in the same team as (full name of the person)” and we will do our best to make it happen.
6. Can I volunteer with a group?
Absolutely! You can contact the volunteer coordinator directly as soon as possible to discuss the formula best suited to your group and the needs of the event. You can contact the coordinator by email at benevoles@altergo.ca or by phone at 514-933-2739, ext. 228.
7. Should I have an e-mail address to register as a volunteer?
It is not necessary. You can also sign up by telephone at 514-933-2739 ext. 228.
8. Am I automatically accepted after signing up online?
Volunteer selection is made according to the criteria that match the requirements of each task and environment in which the volunteer will work. Such criteria are, for example: spoken languages, interpersonal skills, physical skills, experience at the Défi sportif AlterGo, etc.
9. CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION FORM?
You can modify your personal information (contact info and photos) online by using your email address and password.
You cannot change your choice of activity or schedule online. That must be done by telephone (514-933-2739 ext. 228) or e-mail (benevoles@altergo.ca). We ask that you describe clearly the changes to be made and do not forget to sign your message with your first and last name.
10. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF CAN NO LONGER VOLUNTEER?
Contact the volunteer office or your team leader as soon as possible to make the change. Each volunteer has value. As a consequence, it is important that the Défi sportif AlterGo be informed of any absence in order to find replacements and ensure smooth running of competitions.
11. Do you reimburse public transportation?
No, Défi sportif AlterGo does not reimburse bus and metro tickets.
12. Do I have to pay my parking
On most sites, Défi sportif AlterGo made agreements for volunteers not to pay for parking. However, we can’t guarantee that there will be parking spots. In order to contribute to sustainable development efforts, the Défi sportif AlterGo encourages volunteers to use public transportation.
13. DOES DÉFI SPORTIF ALTERGO PROVIDE MEALS TO VOLUNTEERS?
Any volunteer who works a minimum of 5 hours is entitled to lunch.
14. Are there information and training sessions for volunteers?
In April, volunteers will be invited to a general volunteer meeting. This gives them an opportunity to find out more about the event and meet the leaders of each team.
Training about interactions with people with functional limitations is also offered.
In some cases, additional specific training is required so that volunteers can be fully efficient on site.
The time and place of the general volunteer meeting will be specified in the schedule confirmation email.
15. Are the general and specific trainings mandatory?
It is strongly recommended that any new volunteer, as well as returning ones who were not at the most recent event editions, undergo the general training.
Specific training is required to ensure smooth running of activities in a given area. In some cases, you might not be able to perform all the tasks of your assigned position if you did not get specific training.
However, no volunteer will be expelled for not following either training.
16. DOES DÉFI SPORTIF ALTERGO PROVIDE A LETTER OF CERTIFICATION TO SCHOOLS?
Student who volunteer can have their school form signed by their team leader on site. They can also ask for a letter by email 2 to 4 weeks after the event.
17. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE MEDIA (JOURNALISTS) COME TO ME FOR AN INTERVIEW OR FOR INFORMATION?
Before and during the Défi sportif AlterGo, volunteers are authorized to speak with the media about their experience at the Défi. Should the media approach you with any other question, you may direct them to the Communications Department or to your site manager.
