2018 Ontario Summer Games puts out call for volunteers

The 2018 Ontario Summer Games in London will need about 1,000 volunteers to help run the four day event. Part of their job will include greeting athletes, coaches and supporters.

Volunteers started signing up last week, said Dave De Kelver, the general manager of the games. 

The games take place in London from Aug. 2 to 5. 

"Because it's a long weekend, I don't want to feel overconfident, but London has a long history of volunteerism, and I think this is an event people are talking about and we will get htere," De Kelver said. 

More than 3,500 athletes will participate in 21 different sport  competitions over the four-day period. 

There will be another 3,000 to 4,000 coaches and parents and supporters in London for the games, De Kelver said. 

"We're going to have a huge upswing in hotel room rentals, and people out at all the venues, and people visiting downtown and all the businesses," he said. 

We try to place people close to what their interests are- Dave De Kelver

Volunteers will be needed for the opening ceremonies and at each of the sports and event venues. 

People can request to volunteer in a particular area or with a particular sport, De Kelver said. 

"We'll ask them their skill set, we'll ask them about their preferences, and we try to place people close to what their interests are," he said. "That said, that's not always possible, but we certainly try to do it." 

There's no fee to volunteer but people have to pass a police check. Uniforms will be provided. 

"London has an army of volunteers who pull off amazing events time and time again," said Mayor Matt Brown. "This is a great opportunity for London and I have no doubt that the community will rally behind it." 

London has hosted the games in 1975, 1996 and 2004.

Officials estimate they bring in $6 million in economic spin-off for the city. 

People can sign up to volunteer at london2018.ca/volunteer