Volunteers, a priceless part of every sport event
135 volunteers have been confirmed for 2014 VELUX EHF FINAL4, the highlight event of European club handball. Without their help integral parts of the event such as logistics, spectator services, entertainment, media and shuttle service would not be able to provide the high level standards the event guarantees.
More than 300 people from across Europe applied for one of the coveted positions.
“I’m really looking forward to this goose bump atmosphere. Every time the opening show starts and I’m down courtside, watching the thousands of spectators, who are there to see Europe’s best handball teams – that’s a true motivation and an unforgettable experience,” says Ann-Kathrin. The 24-year-old will be supporting the entertainment team, setting up everything that is needed for the signature show elements.
The majority of volunteers works from Friday to Sunday, but some already start on Wednesday and do not finish until Monday. That is even more remarkable as the volunteers organise their arrival and departure as well as accommodation by themselves.
Whether they are a librarian or a lawyer – people from all different backgrounds and experiences come together at the VELUX EHF FINAL4, making up for an interesting as well as entertaining atmosphere. At the end of tournament quite often long-lasting international friendships have been established.
It is also a gathering of different generations, proven by the 57 years that separate 75-year-old Wolfgang, the oldest volunteer, and his youngest counterpart, 18-year-old Linda. Wolfgang, a retired engineer, was travelling the world for his job and experienced friendliness as well as support everywhere he went – it is something he now wants to share with the international guests at the VELUX EHF FINAL4. That is why he opted for a position in spectator services.
Like many other volunteers, Wolfgang is a ‘repeat offender’. 29-year-old Riccarda has been a logistics volunteer ever since the first VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010. “I’m practically a constant part of the event, which has become better every year. I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar faces again.“
Hence the volunteers in the LANXESS arena play a decisive role for the event’s success and they deserve a big ‘thank you’ for all the work they put in.
TEXT: EHF / ts
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