The volunteers are the heart of The World Games 2017. Or, to cite IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow:
“They deserve a gold medal for doing a tremendous job.”
On Thursday four of these “gold medalists” entered the stage of the IWGA press conference at the Main Media Center. Actually there were five helping hands interviewed by IWGA Communications Director Anna Jacobson. IWGA Vice President Max Bishop reminded that he was a volunteer too. “Being on the board is not a paid job,” he explained to the audience,” and continued:
“Volunteering is something you can do for life.”
But let’s look first at the four young people who represented more than 1600 volunteers making the Games not only run smoothly but creating a contagious atmosphere of enthusiasm which is praised by everyone involved with the multi-sports event these days: Adela Błaszczyk, Marysia Tomaszewska, Michał Fabianowski from Poland, and Illia Hryzhenku from Ukraine. None of them are older than 20, all of them are full of joy and with a lot of positive experiences helping the organisers to create a perfect stage for the athletes and for the spectators.
How did they find out that about volunteering at an event that would give them adventure and a wonderful experience as well? The 16-years-old Adela Błaszczyk was attracted by an advertisement on Facebook. Michał Fabianowski practiced Sumo, one of TWG sports, for several years. When he had learned that the event would be coming to Wroclaw, there was no doubt that he wanted to contribute to the success. Illia Hryzhenku described volunteering as his hobby. It took him 36 hours to come to Wroclaw. In spite of this long journey he stated clearly:
”This was not wasted time, for you get so much as a volunteer: working in an international team, being in contact with the athletes and being so close to the event.”
But it’s not all about fun and having the time of your live: Michał Fabianowski supports the security staff by checking backpacks of spectators. Marysia Tomaszewska is part of the media teams at a venue, doing her best help the journalists on site. Illia Hryzhenku had an eye on the controls in the Orienteering competitions. Adela Błaszczyk characterized herself as a “joker”.
No, not a comedian. The joker works anywhere that help of any sort is needed. She helped to tidy up the Boules venue after the storm on Sunday and did not mind to get drenched to the bone because of the hard rain. Two days later she was on stage at The World Games Plaza carrying one of the Tissot watches for the Athlete of the Day. There are several more jobs to be done and - as said – far more volunteers who lend a helping hand.
What will they take with them after the ten days of sports in Wroclaw? Marysia Tomaszewska is inclined to become a journalist. Being member of the media team helps her to understand what it is about. Adela Błaszczyk talks about the knowledge she gained by working in so many different areas. But most of all, they will remember the great atmosphere during the Games, the encounters with the athletes, the outstanding performances seen at the sports venues; and that they were not only spectators but a crucial part of the event. Adela Błaszczyk: “It was an adventure for me to apply for being a volunteer. But I am so glad that I did it.”
Even more: they take with them gratitude and much positive feedback. Ask Max Bishop, the IWGA Vice President:
“This is fantastic thing. You hear these days negativity in the press about the state of the world. But there are many people who are prepared to give their time and their expertise in order to serve the community. All I want to do is to say to these people: carry on!”
