With the 2019 Men’s Final Four less than 100 days away, the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (MLOC) is accepting online volunteer applications.
To apply, volunteers must be at least 18 years old by March 1; friendly, outgoing and dedicated; flexible and adaptable to change; and able to work a minimum of three four-hour shifts between April 5-8.
If accepted, the Final Four volunteers will work at NCAA fan events. Two orientation and role-specific training sessions are scheduled for March 19 and March 24.
These volunteers, in essence, will give “our inclusive hello” to an estimated 90,000 visitors to the Cities for the annual event April 6-8 at the Vikings’ downtown Minneapolis stadium, said MLOC CEO
Tashonda Williamson and Clifford Morse are two of the volunteer “point guards.” Williamson told the MSR that she “jumped at the opportunity” to be part of the Final Four.
“It is the Final Four,” Morse said. “It is basketball at its finest — I wanted to be a part of that.”
A touring “Fan Jam” truck made stops all over the state last summer promoting this year’s Final Four. “The Fan Jam has been the heartbeat of our organization,” Mortensen said. “It gives us a chance to be very inclusive in communities large and small. We have engaged with a million Minnesotans through the Fan Jam.”
NCAA officials are expected to be in town later this month to announce the Final Four schedule of events: “A lot of that is free and accessible for sports fans and non-sports fans,” said Mortensen.
Submit volunteer applications for the 2019 Men’s Final Four online at finalfourminneapolis.com/volunteer.
Charles Hallman is a contributing reporter and award-winning sports columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.