Our volunteers are an indispensable part of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. A total of 16,000 volunteers are going to be in action, and some have already started in various working areas.
All volunteers have a common start: they collect their documents and clothing from the Uniform Distribution and Accredidation Center, or UDAC for short.
Just behind the entrance to Hall 10.2, the gates open to a large hall filled with desks, boxes of clothing and lots of volunteers.
One of them is Ines, who ensures at a large desk that all the volunteers receive their information material.
She has already done several volunteer assignments in sports and is very excited to be at the Games: "I like sports and am especially looking forward to the contact with many friendly people at the Special Olympics."
Right next to her, volunteer Bernd beams friendly at the visitors: "It was a spontaneous decision to participate here." Above all, he is enthusiastic about the good organization of the Games and is looking forward to get in contact with the participants. "I would like to help overcome hurdles."
It was a spontaneous decision to participate here.
So far, almost 6,000 volunteers have checked in and many are already on duty at the world's largest sports event for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities. The remaining 10,000 will follow in the next few days – all starting at UDAC.
Benran from Bangladesh is one of them. He is assigned as a key volunteer in transportation. "Back home, I have been involved in many events. That's why I was very interested in the Berlin Games," he said. For Benran, it will be his first experience with our athletes. He is very much looking forward to expanding his knowledge.
By the way, a typical volunteer day starts with the check-in in the volunteer lounge. After a brief hello with the team, the day's planning begins: What needs to be done? Where are we going?
Everyone should gain fresh impressions and experiences, and of course fun should not be neglected. Because one thing is certain: Without the help of the volunteers, there would be no Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
