Jacob Park smiles during a rare break in his busy schedule volunteering for multiple Nanaimo sports teams, most notably the Nanaimo Timbermen (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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VIDEO: ‘We’d be lost without him:’ Nanaimo super fan doubles as invaluable volunteer

Jun 14, 2022 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — If you’ve been to a local high level hockey or lacrosse game, chances are you’re well aware of Jacob Park.

The 31-year-old Nanaimo man and rabid local sports fan has volunteered for several teams for most of his adult life.

A major beneficiary of his time is the three teams falling under the Nanaimo Timbermen lacrosse organization, which Park has loyally served for many years.

Park told NanaimoNewsNOW being accepted by the T-Men means the world to him.

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“The coaches and players are welcoming with open arms…I really enjoy the volunteering with the Timbermen.”

Park, a graduate of Nanaimo Christian School who moved to the Harbour City at the age of 14, knew nothing about lacrosse when he attended his first game.

He quickly transitioned from a fan to devoted volunteer.

Park credits the Timbermen and all of the other teams he volunteers for with boosting his communication skills.

“When I’m meeting different people I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t know what to say the first time when I meet them — then when I talk to them I start to get conversations going.”

In addition to playing softball weekly, Park volunteers as a base coach in a recreational league at McGirr Sports Fields. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Park’s schedule has seen him well acquainted with Frank Crane Arena lately.

He recently completed his second Saturday in a row of three consecutive games volunteering for the T-men.

That’s a lot of floor mopping, water bottle filling and fist-bumps for T-men players courtesy of the endearing Park.

“I usually get there around 11:30 in the morning, get everything ready, and get home around 10 or 11 (at night).”

Timbermen president Chris Bowman considers Park the 26th man on all of their respective rosters.

He said Park is always prepared to do whatever is asked of him and never misses a game.

“He’s a key cog in everything, he brings everybody’s spirits up, he’s always happy and always willing to help. He’s a treat to have every weekend,” Bowman said.

He said involving Park in pre and post game activities has been well received by players, who immensely respect the energy Park brings.

Bowman said it’s heart-warming to know being a member of the T-men family has been vital to Park’s overall health.

“We’d be lost without him, he’s a very integral part of everything we do and it making him happy and healthy too is a bonus for everyone.”

Longtime Nanaimo Timbermen play-by-play voice Dan Marshall said it’s rare for non-profit organizations to have a volunteer as devoted and passionate as Jacob Park.

“He’s underrated in terms of what his meaning to a sports team can be, not just as a fan, but as a member willing to do whatever it takes to have success,” Marshall said.

Park is also a longtime volunteer for the Nanaimo Clippers and started donating his time to the Nanaimo Buccaneers last hockey season.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes