That should bode well for the athletes and spectators that will flock to Augusta during the next two weeks for the 12th annual event.

Schumacher is the volunteer coordinator for this year's Games, and if her fervor for the amateur athletic competition filters down to the other 800 volunteers in the system, the event should go off without a hitch.

"This is an opportunity for Augusta," said Schumacher, a visitors service manager at Fort Discovery. "This is the 12th year of the Georgia Games and only the second time it's been held outside of Atlanta. We had tremendous success in 1999 when the athletes, the fans and the organizers left with a good impression of Augusta. We need to make an equally good impression this year."

Which means Schumacher needs more help, especially with the triathlon - which will be July 21 at Wildwood Park.

But for those not intrigued by the thought of volunteering at sporting events, Schumacher said there are plenty of other opportunities.

"The triathlon is a great event, but if you're not interested in something in sports, we need help with hospitality and merchandising, too," she said.

All Schumacher needs from potential volunteers is a six-hour time commitment for each day they want to work. In return, they'll receive a meal, credentials and a T-shirt.

For Joey Martin, a 20-year-old North Augusta native who is a junior at USC Aiken, volunteering has been well worth the sacrifice.

"I started at the end of May, and it's been a lot of busy hours," he said. "But it's also very educational. You learn a lot more practical stuff than you can get in a classroom. Almost 100 percent of the volunteers go away thinking it was a good experience."

Those interested in volunteering can call the Georgia Games headquarters at 261-4263 or stop by the office, located at 1454 Greene St. on the corner of Greene and Broad streets, for an application.

"We always want the opportunity to raise the bar a bit," Schumacher said. "And this year, we want to have an even greater success."

Reach Josh Katzowitz at (706) 823-3216 or josh.katzowitz@augustachronicle.com.