IN addition to the athletes and coaches, there are numerous crucial roles and positions essential for the success of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs). One role is the ushers, whose contributions may not always be recognised.

The G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport provided 30 women who will serve as ushers in the National Stadium’s grandstand over the five days of the championships, and administrator Audrey Thompson heads the team.

“The ushers are here to ensure the patrons are comfortable, they’re seated in the assigned seats on their tickets and [that] the championships is well run, so we assist in all areas to make sure they’re comfortable,” she said.

Ruth-Ann Sanderson, a student at G C Foster College, said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“After representing the school or a high school for a particular number of years, I chose this because I believe, apart from being just an audience member, it’s important to gain exposure,” she said. “I believe we should understand the entire scope of sporting events. The persons are receptive here and I appreciate their cooperation.”

Ushers have been more critical over the years as they’ve been present at other major events held at the stadium, including the National Senior and Junior Athletics Championships and the Gibson McCook Relays.

However, it’s not an easy task for the ushers as Thompson says proper training is needed to deal with the various personalities who enter the grandstand.

“These youngsters have to know how to deal with the patrons because it is a challenge for some of them,” she said. “You and I know, for example, people who have a ticket in a particular seat don’t normally want to go there, but we have to know how to deal with them; we have to be customer friendly, be respectful to all these persons, even though there might be challenges. To gain respect you have to give respect.”

The Champs experience is unique and regarded as one of the best sporting events.

However, Thompson says the performance of the ushers will influence people’s decision on whether to return for future events.

“The ushers enjoy the experience because some of them are coming here for the first time at the championship,” she said. “But they aren’t here to enjoy the meet because, I’m going to be honest, when we are here, some of the times we don’t see the events because of the role we play.

“We have to make sure that the others who are here (the patrons) enjoy it more than we do. The youngsters know that they cannot sit in the stands and enjoy the meet [as] they have to allow the patrons to enjoy it, so they have to give service. That is what they are here for; we are hosts — and especially to those who are from overseas. Some of them are coming to Champs for the first time and we have to ensure that what they come for, they enjoy it so much that they come back another year.”