Our volunteers in their distinctive purple shirts were everywhere. Without them, the Special Olympics World Games would not have been such a great success for everyone. Therefore, they deserve a huge thank you!
More than 18,000 volunteers from all over the world supported the Games in Berlin. Shortly before the end of the event, we talked to some of them and asked them about their different tasks.
One volunteer, who has been supporting Special Olympics since 1988, was recognized from afar as the conductor of the laola waves. Greeting all visitors with a big smile, Clemens Kottmann told us about his role:
"We have different tasks to do. We guide the audience, help wheelchair users into special zones and make sure that the athletes are standing in the right places. But above all, we cheer them on during the competitions and provide the la ola," explains Clemens.
For Alina Weinhold, a student of experiential education at the Philipps University in Marburg, working as a competition management volunteer for badminton was not just a job, but also an important step for her professional future. For the Leipzig native, the contact with the athletes was very informative and enriching.
"I have a lot of fun here. My job is to help people find a place in the stands. I especially like that I've had a lively intercultural exchange with many people from different countries so far," explains Patricia Resl-Rojas from Spectator Services her experience.
No matter in which area our volunteers were active and where they came from, they all had one thing in common: the enthusiasm for meeting athletes from all over the world and their commitment to inclusion.
By the way, this article was also written by volunteers in the field of digital communication.
We would like to thank all those who supported the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and set an important example with their tireless efforts! #UnbeatableTogether
