SEA Games volunteers in final stages of preparation

SINGAPORE - Volunteers for the 28th SEA Games have started collecting their uniforms and accreditation passes, marking the final stages of their preparation for the sporting event due to kick off on June 5.

The collection exercise, which began yesterday, has seen about 6,000 volunteers receiving their materials as at 4pm today, the Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) said in a statement. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong was also present to show his support.

The rest of the 17,000 volunteers have until Monday to collect their uniforms and accreditation passes at the Formula One Pit Building.

The accreditation passes will give the volunteers free access to competition venues even when they're not on duty, subject to seat availability, SINGSOC's chief of games and manpower engagement Muhammad Rostam Umar said.

He added: "It's been so heartening to see so many Singaporean residents step up to volunteer for the Games. We want to make this journey meaningful for our volunteers, and something that they'll remember for the rest of their lives. It's important that they have fun and Celebrate the Extraordinary (the theme of the 28th SEA Games), supporting not just Team Singapore, but regional athletes as well."

The volunteers, who are called Team Nila, have attended a total of over 220 training sessions since September last year.

huizhen@sph.com.sg