A call for PoCo Grand Prix volunteers and sponsors is going out this week as planning for the July 15 cycling event swings into high gear.
As part of BC Superweek – Canada’s largest professional road cycling series – the PoCo Grand Prix will attract thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of sport, live entertainment, family activities and more.
Dozens of volunteers and sponsors are needed to make the event a success.
“The PoCo Grand Prix is only five months away and we’re gearing up now to ensure it is a fantastic event that showcases the best of our community,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “We’re asking the community to gear up too by stepping forward to support the event as a volunteer or a sponsor.”
Sponsors are already starting to take advantage of opportunities that range from naming rights to display space in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo. Sponsorship is available at a variety of levels to enable businesses of all sizes to participate.
The first to sign up as a Gold sponsor was Westwood Cycle, which is also assisting with event planning and providing volunteers. Owners Kelly and Glen Hobbis are encouraging other businesses to get involved.
“Glen’s dad Cap always said that if you aren’t about giving back to the community, then what are you about? These are words we have always lived by, personally and business-wise,” Kelly Hobbis said. “We encourage all other businesses, big or small, to sponsor, volunteer and attend this amazing event. This event has the potential to identify Port Coquitlam as an active, healthy and fun community, and those who sponsor this event will be clearly identified as active, healthy and fun corporate partners.”
Metro Ford has also stepped forward as the official sponsor of the pace vehicles.
Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements, private viewing space, and passes to the exclusive VIP tent featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more. Sponsorship information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca.
Volunteers will also play a key role, primarily on the day of the event. Approximately 150 volunteers over the age of 15 are needed for tasks including team captains, racecourse fencing, signage, marshaling, VIP tent, beer garden, fundraising, first aid, PoCo Grand Prix Expo (trade show), street team event hosts, event setup and takedown and other areas.
People can volunteer as individuals, as a group or as a team from an organization of up to 12 volunteers. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer for information and online registration.
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to be in downtown Port Coquitlam July 15 to watch about 200 top international cyclists race along a 1.3-kilometre circuit and enjoy a community festival including live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone, beer garden and other activities.
Registration will also open up in the coming weeks for public events such as the Kids’ Race, Youth Race and Corporate Challenge, and to sign up to host a visiting rider or team.
Event and sponsorship information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca. Questions may be directed to grandprix@portcoquitlam.ca or to Lori Bowie at 604-927-7900. For volunteer opportunities, contact Rob Loxterkamp at loxterkampr@portcoquitlam.ca or at 604-927-7953.V
