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Beijing equestrian events set new standards in excellence
The 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games set a new benchmark in excellence for international sporting competitions. In particular, the Equestrian events were a great success because host city Hong Kong, in partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, provided world class amenities and services for competitors, horses, and spectators.
TAFE NSW, working with the event organising committee, the Equestrian Company, delivered exceptionally high standards for workforce training.
TAFE NSW first began working with the Equestrian Company in January 2007 when a Training Needs Analysis was conducted and 200 lead volunteers were trained. Building on the success of this training, TAFE NSW was asked to provide volunteer training in the lead up to the August 2007 Test Event.
After excellent feedback from surveys conducted during the Test Event, the client requested a manager to work in Hong Kong in the lead-up to the Games and Helen Kebby was appointed Senior Manager for 12 months.
Helen successfully managed the planning, recruitment and training of volunteers, paid and service provider staff in partnership with other organisations, developed a communications strategy, and implemented the electronic staff management system.
During Games-time, Helen’s team were responsible for checking in the workforce at 6:30am and 7:30pm which meant the check-in team started at 2:00am each day.
Spectators, volunteers and supervisors were surveyed throughout the Games and these on-the-job evaluations revealed a very high level of workforce performance.
“The volunteers were fantastic... helpful, friendly and clearly knew what they were doing. Fantastic!” said Danish spectator, Kirsten Hansen.
“What London [Olympic organising committee] can learn … is the importance of the quality of the Volunteers and the willing spirit of the Volunteers. This has been such a star example of how Volunteers ought to work and how pleasant it is to work with them that I’m sure it will set a standard for a long time to come,” said Christopher Hudson (New Zealand) FEI second Vice President, at a press conference convened by the International Paralympic Committee President at Shatin Hong Kong Equestrian Venue on Wednesday 10 September 2008.
TAFE NSW is proud to have been an important influence on setting this excellent Olympic and Paralympic workforce standard.
CONTACT US
For enquiries about international projects, workforce training and consultancy contact
detinternational@det.nsw.edu.au
Level 2, 1 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
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