AEGEEans volunteering at sport events

One of the activities suggested by the Sports Working Group (SWG) was to volunteer at international sport events. That would encourage youth participation while strengthening the network between AEGEEans and companies or organisations, and also providing the opportunity of gaining experience and inspiration to organise events in AEGEE. AEGEE-København member Patricia Anthony told us a bit about the Euro 2012 a few months ago, and now it is time for SWG member Sabina Begic to share her experience from volunteering at the European Universities Games in July. 

Sport plays a significant role in today’s society.

I had the chance to be one of 35 International Volunteers at the 1 st European Universities Games in Cordoba, Spain. The city of Cordoba is located in the middle of Andalusia. Thanks to its privileged position, it has been the centre of diverse cultures, which translates to a great historical legacy and a warm and familiar atmosphere. The EUSA Games are meant as an opportunity to bring student athletes together and make Europe friendlier. The Opening Ceremony brought together all the players of the 10 modalities of the Games. Cordoba hosted 2583 participants, representing 253 teams from 151 universities coming from 32 countries, competing in 10 sports featured at the 1st European Universities Games: badminton, basketball, beach-volleyball, football, futsal, handball, rugby 7s, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

VOLUNTEERING AND CROSS-CULTURAL COOPERATION

Here is my list of benefits and reasons why I chose to become a volunteer: getting to know new places and people – making new friends, and if you are lucky enough, as I was, then making friends for life; networking; building self-confidence; decision-making; CV improvement, civil responsibility. Another important argument is that volunteers only have to pay for transportation to and from the city of the organizer. Accommodation and food is provided. I really had a great time in Cordoba with other volunteers and players,  especially when we, after a long working day, spent the night in the city or in our Colegio Mayor chilling out.

WORDS TO THANKS

People who somehow find the time and energy to throw themselves into a cause cannot be thanked enough! Even so, there are ways to let them know exactly how truly appreciated their time and efforts are. Sports offer volunteerism, friendship, a healthy lifestyle, social integration. At the closing ceremony, all participants were welcomed by the Mayor of Cordoba Jose Antonio Nieto Ballesteros who also took the opportunity to thank all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication by presenting diplomas to their representatives. The president of the organising committee and vice rector of students and culture of the University of Cordoba, Mr Manuel Torres, thanked all the volunteer and partners in the project, especially emphasising excellent cooperation between the University of Cordoba and the European University Sports Association. Mr Adam Roczek, the president of the European University Sports Association recognised the tremendous efforts of the volunteers and thanked them for their enthusiasm and hard work. Also during the event Mr Roczek pointed out:Volunteers are a crucial part in each event. Without volunteers there is no event. Without motivated volunteers there is no successful event. This is also true for the EUSA Games.

I like the fact that both the local volunteers recruited by the organisers, and the international volunteers, recruited through the EUSA volunteer program were there because of their own will, positive energy and enthusiasm. They brought a really great and friendly atmosphere to the games and shared it with other participants.

Mr Daniel Sikkens, the president of the organising committee gave a short introduction to the 2014 games and invited the public to attend – either as participants, or as volunteers. At the end the EUSA Flag was then symbolically passed over from Cordoba to EUSA and onwards to Rotterdam as the next host of the European Universities Games.

If you are interested in experiencing a unique adventure, learning about sport values and gaining valuable work experience through volunteering in European University Championships and European University Games – apply for it. Hope to see you there.

Written by Sabina Begic, AEGEE-Wien