As athletes, delegates and officials from around the world continue to descend on Metro Moncton for the World Junior Track and Field Championships, volunteers, media and people hired by local vendors to provide services are realizing just how smoothly things move along when a plan is well executed.

However, as with anything, some folks are learning that even the best-made plans can have mild growing pains. For example, some workers of companies that will be providing a number of services over the next few days have seen delays in the processing of the identification cards that are mandatory for them to wear in order to gain access.

Although an inconvenience, should this be the only glitch of the week, organizers and planners should be quite happy with the way things are progressing. Kudos also to the many volunteers responsible for managing the accreditation of thousands of people who have been filing into the various accreditation offices since Tuesday. The few mild delays that yours truly has been made aware of have been handled expeditiously and in a professional manner.

While downtown Moncton will be filled with people in town for the global event, tomorrow they will be rubbing shoulders with an eccentric group of mainly young adults who will give the appearance there is a Lady Gaga concert nearby.

You see, the annual Moncton Anime Convention will once again this year take place at the Delta Beausejour Hotel, and most if not all of the participants will be decked out as their favourite anime character.

Think of it as Halloween in July, only the treats these folks are after are the latest video games, movies, costumes and other specific merchandise not normally available in local storesOne of the most visited parts of the convention every year, not surprisingly, is the video game room and anticipation is high regarding the new crop of demos that have this year's participants buzzing.

"Our video game room is going to be predominantly free-play with the option of impromptu tournaments remaining available for those interested. We couldn't have a CanCon East' event without the Super Smash Brothers tournament though. And keep an eye out for the anime showing schedule which will have lots of great titles both new and old that we're currently clearing with companies," states the animinitime website, which is a must to click before heading out, as it includes up-to-date schedules and news.

Marc Bastarache has been a fan of the anime subculture for about six years. "I am so excited for this convention!" he enthuses. He informs that he will once again be dressed up like his favourite anime character, "That would be Kisuke Urahara from the Bleach' animated series."

Bastarache contends that most people get involved with anime because of the art form. "Most anime creations begin with manga, a specific art form from Japan."

With regards to the upcoming convention, he is most interested in seeing what the vendors will have to offer. "I have found items like wall posters, games and accessories at past conventions." He also claims to enjoy the overall atmosphere of the event. Meanwhile, local organizer Robert Gallant always seems to be eyeballs-deep in the fabric of Metro's cultural tapestry and these days he is focusing on a unique opportunity for local residents.

He tells us how the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA) is "looking for a few more people to fill in some spaces in a free workshop on diversity in the workplace. The Workplace Diversity Training Workshop is set for Tuesday, July 20 between 2-4:30 p.m."

Regarding the importance of such workshops, Gallant contends, "With today's globalization, and ever-increasing immigration into the region, employees are interacting more and more with people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than ever before.

And this interactive workshop has been designed to improve intercultural communications in the workplace helping companies improve productivity and office integration. This workshop will engage newcomers and Canadian Professionals in sharing ideas for a better community."