Around 8000 athletes have descended on the Victorian city of Geelong to contest the 2013 World Masters Games.
Volunteers are critical to administering the event, and this year refugee students from a local high school are playing a critical role.
When a fraction of a second can decide the winner, the time-keeper's job is crucial.
Burmese youngster Beh Reh is one of several refugee students to take a time keeper's course as part of an applied learning certificate.
"When I came here I was very nervous", he says
"I (thought I was) gonna make a mistake but after Friday I feel better."
The students spent three weeks being trained by Swimming Victoria, honing their skills
Many, like Afghani Sweeta, were born in refugee camps, and the entire experience is new to them, after taking her first dip in a pool.
"Before I came to Australia I didn't see the swimming pool - now I see", she says.
Their teacher Monica Thomson is thrilled at their progress.
"From seeing them learning in the classroom the skills for time-keeping. to just (them being) all on their own, they're doing the job" Monica says.
"They're teaching me how to do it today."
The student body at Geelong North High School is around 40 per cent refugees
Practical, vocational skill development, like time-keeping, is a major focus.
Recently Beh Reh returned to the refugee camp he grew up in, courtesy of school-raised funds
Much of Mae-surin on the Thai Burma border was destroyed by fire in March, injuring hundreds of people, killing others.
"Some people lost their home and they have not enough food so three of us from Geelong we went there and learn activity with the children, and helped them clean up the rubbish."
Beh Reh now wants a career in community service, and the applied learning certificate will provide an ideal start.
Back at the Games, director Ian Fitzpatrick is happy with their work.
"These volunteers have been quite critical to the delivery of the swimming program - they've performed a critical role"
According to Fitzpatrick, they've given the Games 'a real injection of enthusiasm and excitement .'
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