Organizers with the PoCo Grand Prix seek volunteers, sponsors for the race’s first-ever edition this summer

With the PoCo Grand Prix drawing nearer by the day, its first edition scheduled to roll out as part of BC Superweek this summer, officials—both with the race and the city of Port Coquitlam, B.C.—are putting out the call for volunteers and sponsors to hop in the event’s saddle. Dozens are needed, they say, in order to make the event the success it’s expected to be.

“The PoCo Grand Prix is only five months away,” said Greg Moore, the mayor of Port Coquitlam, “and we’re gearing up now to ensure it is a fantastic event that showcases the best of our community. We’re asking the community to gear up too by stepping forward to support the event as a volunteer or sponsor.”

As the first incarnation of the event, the 2016 race, no doubt, will be a golden and highly-visible opportunity for those who want to get in on the ground floor of the PoCo Grand Prix. To date, sponsors have taken advantage of everything from naming rights to display space in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo, organizers say. With sponsorship available at various levels, businesses of all sizes, they add, have the opportunity to participate.

One of the first to get involved was local business Westwood Cycle, which signed up as a Gold sponsor of the event.

“We encourage all other businesses, big or small,” said Westwood Cycle co-owner Kelly Hobbis, “to sponsor 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 sponsors.” Metro Ford, meanwhile, has also signed on to sponsor the event by providing pace vehicles.

At the other end of the spectrum are the volunteers needed for the PoCo Grand Prix, whose role will be the most prominent on the day of the event itself. In all, about 150 volunteers over the age of 15 are sought, who will perform tasks like erecting race course fencing and signage, marshaling, staffing the VIP tent and beer garden, fundraising, First Aid, and other responsibilities. Interested parties can volunteer as individuals or as a team from a supporting organization. As groups, up to 12 volunteers can register together.

Volunteering information as available at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer, and sponsorship information can be found at pocograndprix.ca.

The PoCo Grand Prix gets underway on July 15 as part of BC Superweek, featuring a field of 200 international riders.