At the Labrador Winter Games, many mitts make light work

They're out in the cold and cooking in the kitchen, they're what keeps the Labrador Winter Games going, and they're not even in the competition.

• Keep your eyes on these 5 at the Labrador Winter Games

They're the volunteers driving athletes around town, standing on the sidelines for medical emergencies,and doing everything else that needs doing in the week-long event.

Snoddon on a sled!

9 years ago

Duration 0:15

Behind the scenes video of Ryan Snoddon driving a dog sled team.

"It doesn't surprise me because I've been a part of it in the past so I'm familiar with the other side of it,"said games director Carmen Hancock.

If I'm any help at all, I'm pleased with myself.- Volunteer Harold Hamel

Hancock is both a former athlete and volunteer, and this time, she's in charge of the hundreds of people involved in this year's games.

"We have many, many logistics committees who run all of the logistics behind the scenes from transporting the athletes to feeding everyone throughout the week," said Hancock.

There's a volunteer for every athlete and then some, helping bring the games to life in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Harold Hamel, who competed in the games for many years, says hetravelled all the way fromCartwrightto play a different role this year. Hesigned on to be a start-line captain at the snowshoe races.

Snowshoe record

9 years ago

Duration 0:55

Labrador City cleaned up in the snowshoe race today. Winning the men's, the women's and the relay. Makaila Hudson set a Labrador Winter Games Record.

It gave him a perfect view of his granddaughter competing for Team Cartwright.

"I just want to keep involved with the games, and if I'm any help at all, I'm pleased with myself," he said.

Newspaper staffed by volunteers

There's volunteer work to be done beyond the actual events as well.

The Northern Star is the official newspaper of the Labrador Winter Games, and it's staffed by volunteer reporters.

That's where Chrissy Chaisson is helping out.

"I love the Labrador Winter Games," she said. "It shows the real Labrador spirit. It's just all so fun to be around."

Gail Turner is a part of the medical support team, standing by on the sidelines of the games in case they're needed.

"I'm a retired nurse," she said. "I always wanted to be able to have the time to do this, so now I can. I absolutely love it. I especially love the outdoor events, the cross-country skiing, the snowshoeing and it's a way of giving back to the community."

With only nine official staff, the games relies on volunteers to carry on year after year.

"God bless the board of directors and the volunteers and athletes for those first games," said Labrador Winter Games chair Joe Goudie.

"They set the precedent and we've been proud to carry on that tradition ever since."