ISLAMABAD, April 5: Without them journalists could have been groping in the dark. They bring them the results, photocopying an endless load of paper, keeping the media informed on what's going on, and helping them out whenever help is sought - all that with a broad smile.

They are the hard-working students of the Barani Institute of Information Technology, Rawalpindi, about 130 of them, who have volunteered to serve at the SAF Games, considering it a national cause.

"We wanted to fulfil our responsibility of working alongside other institutions for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan," says Mahvish Chaalni, the chief volunteer at the Main Press Centre.

The students, 70 boys and 60 girls, are also helping the SAF Games secretariat in running the IT and Information Centres. "We have been trying to do our bit in making these Games successful," Shahid Raza, another volunteer at the Press Centre said.

Since the Games opened on Monday, these volunteers have had to put in long hours, working till late each day but they do not seem to get tired. They come in before the journalists arrive and leave long after they have left. That's their spirit.

"Our aim is to facilitate the media in performing their professional duties and how far we have succeeded in doing so, only the journalists can tell," Shahid said.

These volunteers would get nothing more than a commendation certificate once the Games end. They have helped in keeping the media happy, not just with their smiles but also their work that has been splendid.