bbc.com
Orkney Island Games: Volunteers Crucial to Success
The 2023 Orkney Island Games rely on over 900 volunteers, including 74-year-old Norrie Johnstone who converted his van into lodging to participate, highlighting the crucial role of volunteers in major sporting events and the welcoming Orkney community.
- What is the crucial role of volunteers in the success of major sporting events like the Orkney Island Games?
- The 2023 Island Games in Orkney, Scotland, rely heavily on volunteers like 74-year-old Norrie Johnstone, who converted his van into lodging to participate. His dedication highlights the crucial role of volunteers in major sporting events, enabling their success while showcasing the welcoming spirit of the Orkney community.
- How does the volunteer experience, as described by Norrie Johnstone and Anne McOmish, illustrate broader trends in community engagement and event organization?
- Johnstone's experience underscores the significant contribution of volunteers to large-scale events, particularly those lacking sufficient funding to hire staff. His participation, along with that of others like Anne McOmish, demonstrates a trend of individuals seeking purpose and community engagement through volunteer work. This volunteer base is essential for Scotland's ability to host major sporting events.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the growing reliance on volunteers for the financial sustainability and community impact of future large-scale sporting events in Scotland?
- The increasing reliance on volunteers for large sporting events in Scotland, as exemplified by the Island Games, may indicate a shift in event organization. Future implications include potential adjustments to event planning to better integrate and support volunteer efforts and explore alternative models for staffing. This could significantly impact the financial feasibility and community involvement of future competitions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative emphasizes the positive aspects of volunteering, focusing on the personal rewards and the contributions of volunteers like Norrie and Anne. The headline itself, while neutral, sets a positive tone. The article leads with Norrie's enthusiastic experience, reinforcing a favorable perspective. This framing could overshadow potential challenges or negative aspects associated with such a large-scale event.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and enthusiastic, employing words like "fantastic," "amazing," and "great." While this reflects the volunteers' experiences, it might lack the objectivity expected in news reporting. For instance, instead of "fantastic," a more neutral term like "positive" or "enjoyable" could be used. The repeated use of positive adjectives could subtly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive experiences of volunteers, potentially omitting challenges or negative aspects of volunteering at the Island Games. While acknowledging accommodation difficulties, it doesn't explore the extent of these issues for all volunteers or delve into potential downsides of such extensive volunteer reliance. The perspective of organizers is presented, highlighting the necessity of volunteers, but perspectives of residents or those negatively impacted by the influx of visitors are absent. This omission could limit the reader's understanding of the full impact of the Games.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive view of volunteering, implicitly framing it as a purely beneficial activity with no significant drawbacks. While acknowledging costs involved for volunteers, it doesn't present a balanced view of the trade-offs or potential alternatives. The implicit dichotomy is between volunteering (positive) and paid employment (costly, less desirable).
Gender Bias
The article features two volunteers, one male and one female. While both are presented positively, the focus on their personal experiences and motivations might be interpreted as reinforcing traditional gender roles, with Norrie's adventurous side highlighted and Anne's emphasis on purpose and community involvement. However, this is subtle and not overtly biased; more information is needed to make a stronger assessment.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant contribution of volunteers like Norrie Johnstone, who comes from a modest background, in making the Island Games a success. His participation demonstrates the potential for inclusive events that benefit both volunteers and the community. Norrie