Preparings for the Junior World squash Championships are in full swing as volunteers get their uniforms ahead of the big event.
It is the ''lull before the storm''.
That is how Junior World squash Championships organising committee chairman Wayne Werder described the lead up to the big event - as 150 volunteers gathered for a briefing and barbecue last night.
The crew listened to an overview of the event, which willkick off on July 19, and the various roles before getting kitted out in their event uniforms and official creditation.
Planning had taken two years, Mr Werder said, and the pressure was on to deliver a championships to remember, which could put Tauranga on the map for future sporting codes.
''It's the first ever world event to be held here so we hope to do a good job. Hopefully that could start a trend as we are the first off the starting blocks.''
Now the challenge was putting the volunteer workforce into action.
''It's like a big jigsaw puzzle trying to work out the logistics. We also have to remember these volunteers have given up their own time, which is really amazing.''
''We could not put this event on without them, it is as simple as that, to be brutally honest.''
Scores of roles had been created for the volunteers, which ranged in age from 12 to 80, that included everything from tournament directors and competition managers to mini van drivers.
Joe Thompson was on a youth engagement programme with Sport Bay of Plenty who helped him get work experience.
The 25-year-old will volunteer for about a week and was really looking forward to it.
''It is kind of really cool, I think to be helping out and getting to meet new people.''
Shari Ball was looking forward to supporting the next generation of squash players and did not think twice about putting her hand up to volunteer.
''I've just come back from the World Masters in April and think this is an awesome opportunity to give back to the next generation.''
Junior World Squash Champs * Junior men and junior women championships July 19 to July 23. * Team championships July 24 to 28. * Hosted by Devoy Squash and Fitness Club, Te Puke Squash Club and Mount Maunganui Squash Club.
