Help needed to host international gay rugby players coming for Bingham Cup Sydney

ORGANISERS of the upcoming Bingham Cup in Sydney are calling for volunteers to help during the “World Cup” of gay rugby union.

Players and supporters from 15 countries will arrive in Sydney at the end of August for a week of events, parties and rugby games.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles particularly during the weekend rugby tournament.

“The Bingham Cup week will be like a mini-Mardi Gras, with over 20 events planned around Sydney, including a three day rugby festival and tournament in Rose Bay,” Bingham Cup volunteer manager Nicola Milne said.

“Volunteering is a great opportunity to support efforts to challenge stereotypes and perceptions of gay people and help us throw a week of world-class events.”

Bingham Cup organisers need around 200 volunteers, with 100 people already signed-up. Most volunteer roles can be done by anyone.

The important, but often overlooked roles needing filling include ticket selling and checking, crowd, traffic and player marshalling, event set up and numerous other tournament support roles to help run a fantastic weekend of rugby.

“Even if you can’t volunteer, we would appreciate help with spreading the word. In particular, we’ve found it challenging to find enough sports physiotherapists and massage therapists,” Milne said.

“We also need outgoing and friendly hosts available throughout the week to act as club concierges, directly supporting the individual rugby teams.”

People interested in helping during the Bingham Cup can visit the volunteers section of www.binghamcup.com to see the list of roles available.

Induction sessions will be held at ACON, near Central Station, on August 14, 16 and 17. Other induction times can be arranged for people who can’t attend on those dates.

For more information people can email [email protected].