--The volunteer marketing was well done. I read several articles in local newspapers, and saw (and posted) flyers in parks, coffee shops, etc. --The volunteer sign-up online was very well designed, and easy to navigate. The followup emails from the signup system, indicating what shifts one had signed up for, gave me confidence in the system as well. -- I enjoyed working with the LOC office staff and interns who were very professional, welcoming and friendly. -- I enjoyed working with volunteers onsite at the Games. It was fun to hear the perspectives of younger volunteers on "seniors". I like their energy! -- I think Bonnie Luftig, head of Volunteers, did a terrific job soliciting volunteers, organizing the shifts, and tracking volunteers on site. Thank you!

I have to say that my experience throughout my entire involvement with the 2009 National Senior Games / NSGA was exceptional. I had the privelege and the honor of announcing the swimming events portion of the Games for 5 days straight. It was, to say the very least, exhilerating!!! It must've taken me 2-3 days to come down to Earth from such a memorable and special experience. To witness heats of swimmers / competitors in their 90', 80', 70's, 60's and 50's was truly amazing and exciting. And, to see the enthusiastic encouragement, joy, the cheerful exuberance and support of the community at large for one another brought me to tears in many a deeply heartfelt moment. We were inspired by a wonderful couple, a pastor and her husband. She is legally blind and he is her steadfast support / cheerleader, as she swam and competed in 3 events during the course of days. I got to work with friends as a team, as well as, other wonderful Volunteers. Thanks, so very much to the 2009 National Senior Games, to Ann Cribbs, to Bonnie Luftig and her stalwart team for their dedication and good works in putting this 'party' on; job well done. Congratulations, one and all!!! Kindest regards - David "The Announcer Guy" Wierdsma

It was my first time volunteering with the Senior Games and quite positive! I helped out at the Athletic Registration and then was the volunteer Lead for volleyball. With the exception of one athlete, I enjoyed meeting folks from all over the nation. I was glad that there was a well representation of volunteers - including young junior high and high schoolers. We all agreed that the venue was much more enjoyable than we thought it would be. How can you not get inspired when you see a 94 year old athlete pole vaulting? I'll be happy if I can just jog when I'm that age, let alone compete! After two full weeks, I'm happy to say that I've met new friends. Overall I had a great time. I could tell the Senior Games was well organized even just from the online registration for volunteers. I just wish I would have signed up before a lot of the popular events were already filled. Many thanks to Bonnie L. for providing *extras so I could pass the goodies to my volunteers. -KimChi

Joining the volunteer group to help in the cycling events has been one of the most unforgetable experience in my life. I met a young lovely woman working with me in controling the road crossings.and I thought what interest can she have to spent her time watching old folks strugle.I also met the 80- year old granmother that won the senior event and could not hold the tears ,when she was surrounded by the family of children and granchildren at the finish line. I am taking great memories from this experience and want thank the organization that provided me with the opportunity to be of help. I plan to be in the senior games for cycling in 2011.

I played in the games, and volunteered for racketball. The staff director was great Leonard Neummann? Things went off without much trouble, and he hade all the answers. I didn't see the necessity for the orientation either - no names taken, but they did hand out the book. I pd $10 for parking, but never found the (vulunteer) parking/free. Overall, a pleasant expedrience with co-workers and atheletes alike. BBJ

I volunteered 7 shifts in swimming, pole vault, high jump, volleyball and athletes celebration. As enjoyed volunteers service in Beijing Olympics I was very excited to have this opportunity to serve people. After saw 93 years old lady swam I reset my goal - able to swim butterfly when I am 93. All athletes showed positive life attitude and active competition spirit. Also they made unbelievable results. I have been inspiring since then. What I learned from them will benefit whole my life. For sure I will be one of athletes in Senior Games. A little thing need to be improved: overload volunteers in some events some days, such as swimming, volleyball; in last couple of days loose management; volunteer leaders should be trained more. Overall, it is a great, life-memorized experience. I met many nice people – athletes and volunteers. Thanks all volunteers, all athletes and their families.

as a swimming lap counter I was really impressed with the older female athletes who participated enthusiastically despite their relative speeds. At the race walking venue there were too many of us volunteers so we just relaxed and enjoyed the scene. Irwin Roth

I was a volunteer at the Senior Games for 2 shifts in the athlete registration area. My job was to greet the arriving athletes and if there was a line to register at the table where the computer-savy volunteers were operating, to organize the line. From my perspective, the volunteer cadre was well organized. It was enjoyable for me to give the arriving athletes a friendly greeting and direct them to the registration table. Many arrived after a long journey looking dazed and confused. It seemed to reassure them that all was well, they were in the right place and to be greeted and directed to the registration table. It was inspiring to see the senior athletes from all over the country who were so excited to participate in this event. My only suggestion for improvement is that there could have been better signage on campus. Many athletes were very confused about how to find what they were looking for. Also there was a big confusion about parking--who could park in which lot-- and athletes were upset to find their cars ticketed when they believed they could park where they did. Jackie Berman Palo Alto

I volunteered for two shifts at the athlete registration tables. The first day I was given written notes on using the computer program. The second day, there were printed procedures to follow. The latter left out a step or two in the sequence which I tried to remember each time. The coordinator asked if I wanted to change jobs. I guess she thought I was too slow. When I told her I felt fine doing it but the directions were different the two days, she replied that there had been no change in the program and the directions were the same. (Kind of a snotty attitude) I didn't argue with her. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting athletes from around the country, but I haven't forgotten her "attitude".