Students lend a hand

The school got involved five years ago when teacher Elaine O'Brien saw an opportunity for students to volunteer at the event as part of their Recreation Studies. A component of the course calls for students to develop and update sport, fitness and recreation industry knowledge with a focus on volunteering. Ms O'Brien saw the SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton as a great opportunity for students to experience the benefits of volunteering first hand.

"Each year we have between 16 and 20 students volunteer at the event," she said.

"We love the atmosphere and the students are treated really well by the organisers. The students have a fun time, working together as a team and they feel good intrinsically by volunteering."

Triathlon WA Volunteer manager Cathy Hoare said: knowing that they could have reliable students from the school made finding and organising 400 volunteers an easier task.

"The students are an enormous help to us and they approach any job we give them with enthusiasm," she said.

"It's great to be able to give them the experience of being involved in a major event like the SunSmart IRONAMN 70.3 Busselton".

In feedback from students after last years' event, one of the students said they had gained and experience in how things were done at a big event and learned that every job was important, no matter how big or small.

"Volunteering made me feel good as a person and brought me closer to my class and the amazing community we have around us."

Students have gone on to volunteer at other events, such as the Busselton IRONMAN in December and some have even gone into event management.

This year the SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton, as part of the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon will be held from May 3 to 5. If you would like to volunteer at the event, or for further information go to busselton festivaloftriathlon.com.au