VOLUNTEER
Congratulations again to all of our 2009 Volunteer Award winners!
Volunteer of the Year
Awardee: Roderick James
Rookie of the Year
Awardee: Robin Christopher
Florence Griffith Joyner Alumni Award
Awardee: Ivie Lewis
William E. Sims Award
Awardee: L.T. Willis III
Leon Knowles Merit Award
Awardee: Michael Christopherson
Volunteer Recruiter of the Year (Tie)
Awardee: Dee Dee Kotter (18)
Awardee: Delece Jones (18)
Rising Star Award
Awardee: LaNeice Mitchell
Special Teamwork Award
Awardee: Joseph Cartlidge
Outstanding Community Service Award
Awardee: Jameelah Bent
Spirit of the Games Award
Awardee: Kristina Dixon
Care & Commitment to Excellence Award
Awardee: Coach Henry Washington
Best Awards Presentation Speech
Awardee: Shadan Ardalan
Unshakable Commitment Award
Awardee: Olivia Beltran
Most Positive Attitude
Awardee: Joseph Cartlidge
Most Willing to Help A Team Member (Tie)
Awardee: Roderick James
Awardee: L.T. Willis III
For questions about volunteering, please call Cheryle Babbitt at 213.989.2157
Join the L.A. Watts Summer Games through community action and participation. There are many ways to offer support and get involved from cheering participants during the games to asking your district representative to be present at one or more of the Games' events.
How about writing an article on a high school team and sending it to your local paper? Or, fax/email us a human interest story on a team or youth so we can post it on our website.
Do you know any celebrities or former Games participants? If so, ask them to get involved in the Games or become part of the L.A. Watts Summer Games Alumni Hall of Fame. Plus there are many more opportunities - all of which will ultimately benefit the 7,000 outstanding high school students who participate in the Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I check in for my assigned shift?
For the main venue, go to the Volunteer Tent first. Do not go to your assigned area until you have checked in at the Volunteer Tent. For off-site venues, check in at the location your are assigned.
What time should I arrive?
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your shift is to start to check in and get oriented.
Should I bring a lunch?
You are more than welcome to bring your own food, however, lunch will be provided as long as you sign in and volunteer for a 4 hour shift. If you have specific food needs (i.e. vegetarian), you might prefer to provide your own meals. Cooking facilities are not available.
Where can I leave my belongings?
We do not provide storage for personal belongings. Whatever items you bring need to be carried with you.
Where do I park?
Parking is complimentary at all venues. Click here for venue addresses.
What should I wear and bring?
You will be given an L.A. Watts Summer Games t-shirt to wear. Jeans and walking shorts are fine - and it is typically hot. You will want to wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses as most events are outdoors.
What if I can't make it to my assignment?
If you need to change your assignment prior to the event, call the volunteer manager at 213.989.2157. In the event you can't report for your assignment on a Games event day, call the volunteer hotline, 213.989.2157, and leave a message.
Volunteer Leaders Wanted for Committee!
We are looking for people that we can train to be qualified Project Managers of our projects and sport committees. Are you qualified? Are you interested enough to find out? We are currently interviewing candidates for open positions. Contact Tom Pulchinski via email or phone at 213.989.2143. See how you can make a difference!
- Are you good at organizing things? Do you excel at Excel? Join the Games Festival Committee, where you help organize the festival layout, coordinate with vendors and sponsors, and manage the flow of the festival and lots of other fun stuff.
- Do you love working with people and giving directions? Take a spot on the Guest Relations Committee and be hands on as you work with the Home Depot Center Guest Services representatives, organize volunteers, and add a helpful and friendly face to the Games.
- Do you live in L.A. to be part of the limelight? Use your red carpet skills to help the Ceremonies and Awards Committee organize the opening ceremonies and award presentations.
- Is your resume full of PR experience, or do you want it to be? Lend a hand on the Community Relations Committee where you can use or develop your public relations, media relations, and writing skills.
- Do you have a passion for sports? Start checking out the NCAA brackets and tune up your game skills, because we have a position for you on a Sports Sub-committee. Here's what you can do: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Water Polo, or Wrestling.
The LAJCC, proud founder of the L.A. Watts Summer Games, is a leadership development organization. Take this opportunity to learn and develop skills that you make not otherwise have the chance to do so. You can learn leadership skills, management, organization and planning, PR, development, and much more. There will be plenty of experienced veterans to help guide you through the process; you won't be left alone.