Special Olympics Ontario is in search of volunteers to fill leadership roles for the upcoming Provincial School Championships.

The games, hosted by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), take place June 12 to 14 at Brock University as well as other venues in St. Catharines.

More than 800 high school athletes are expected to participate in basketball, bocce, floor hockey, soccer and track and field competitions.

Volunteers are needed leading up to the event to assist with its organization.

Leadership positions are available in a number of areas including opening and closing ceremonies and medal presentations, hospitality, operations, fundraising, volunteer management, support services (including photography and videography), sport technical roles and marketing.

“Brock has always been a strong supporter of Niagara’s community groups by providing facilities, partnering with their programs and engaging with their teams to provide support from our students and faculty, while also working co-operatively to provide experiential opportunities for our students,” said Tom Arkell, Associate Vice-President, University Services.

He called it important that the University continue to strengthen its community connections by assisting with events and providing support for initiatives both on and off campus.

Anyone interested in volunteering in a lead position for the Special Olympics championships is encouraged to attend a planning meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. in the community room at the NRPS headquarters, 5700 Valley Way in Niagara Falls.

More information is also available on the Special Olympics Ontario website or by e-mailing kirstenb@specialolympicsontario.com.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the event in a non-leadership role is asked to keep an eye on the Provincial School Championships website as information is expected to be released in the coming weeks.