Skyline Queenstown gets behind marathon volunteers

14 August 2018. For immediate release

Skyline Queenstown has been named as the official sponsor of the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon volunteer crew.

This is the first time a corporate sponsor has supported the 500-plus volunteers who help coordinate the annual event, now in its fifth year. Thanks to the sponsorship, all volunteers now become part of the ‘Skyline Volunteer Crew’, with all crew members receiving a free Skyline Queenstown Gondola Annual Pass as a gesture of thanks for their work at the event on Saturday, November 17.

Skyline Queenstown general manager Wayne Rose says the company is thrilled to be part of the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon by acknowledging the local volunteers who help make it a success each year.

“The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon is a tremendous event that brings the community together and it gives us the opportunity to show off our spectacular town to visitors from all over NZ and the world,” he says. “But there are a lot of locals who work behind the scenes to make it happen and we wanted to get involved to support them and reward their efforts.”

The partnership is a welcome addition to Skyline Queenstown’s sponsorship and charity portfolio – the company already supports many local projects, initiatives, schools and community groups.

Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon race director Nicole Fairweather says she is delighted to have Skyline Queenstown on board for this year’s event.

“We are looking forward to working with a local business that shares the same values and love for the region and recognises the role that our volunteers play in delivering a successful event,” she says. “Our amazing volunteers not only make the event possible, they are the best ambassadors when welcoming the thousands of out-of-town athletes to Queenstown.

“Last year we enjoyed the support of 520 volunteers and, in return, we helped raise $18,000 that went directly back into the local community to the many schools, clubs and groups contributing their time. We are conscious that we must leave a legacy in the community and so much of that is achieved through our volunteers.”

Event organisers will be calling for people from all corners of the community to join the Skyline Volunteer Crew in September, and duties include everything from directing runners and manning aid stations to assisting with the post-event pack down.

Queenstown cyclist Peter Atkinson has worked as a volunteer since the marathon’s inception in 2014 and will be back to donate his time again for this year’s event.

“Volunteering at the Queenstown International Marathon is a fantastic experience – not only is it a fun, high-energy event to be part of, it’s great having the opportunity to give something back. Support from the local community is integral to making large-scale events such as this run smoothly, and it’s a coup to secure such a large local company like Skyline to support such an important Queenstown event.” he says.

ENDS

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