‘With my teammates, we spend our mandatory internship at the EURO. We thought that this was a great chance to see what goes on under the hood of such a huge event. The job was very exciting and even though the Hungarian national team did not advance from the Preliminary Round, it is an impressive experience. We helped the spectators before, during and after the bouts, we helped them where to go and where the shops can be found. It is really good to see how well organized this event became and the amount of foreigners.’
By the way, there would be no volunteers without a team of 14 coordinators who help them in their well-being, and who have been joined by twelve volunteers for more than a year who have helped them to prepare since then. This job is not unknown to any of the coordinators either, as many of them have been doing this for years, so they were able to gain a lot of experience at sporting events. Since the beginning of November they have been exclusively involved in the organization of the EURO, and for them this is one of their biggest events so far, both in terms of staff and venue, but they are still doing their job with joy and satisfaction.
They always try to encourage every sport lover to join the volunteer team whenever an opportunity arises, because otherwise it is almost impossible to look behind the scenes of such an occasion. In addition, it can help to build relationships that can be used later – and also gives an experience of a lifetime.
The mixed zone through the eyes of a volunteer
It is for sure that the mixed zone is one of the most interesting part of a sport event. It is the place where athletes meet with the media after the match ends and they give short interviews to several journalists.
I have to admit that as a passionated volunteer and a sport media ambitionist, the mixed zone is an even more extraordinary venue and it means a huge opportunity to be there. Our task is not too difficult, basically we have to help the organization that everything run smoothly. For example, we are the ones who remind the players and provide them with face masks to keep the place Covid-safety.
The mixed zone starts to be filled with life approximately 20 minutes before the match ends. There is a little hectic and a big preparation from both the organizers’ and the journalists’ side, since everyone tries to do his/her job perfectly.
When finally the match is over, everybody gets even more impatient and looks forward to seeing the athletes coming to the zone. However, for the players it is a whole different situation for sure. After a lost game, they can be furious or in a bad mood and probably they just want to be over all the interviews and go to the chaning room. On the other hand, the happy winners might enjoy their time of shining, smile and try to do their best in front of the camera, as well.
As a volunteer even just standing there, seeing this procedure and admiring the players from a few steps is fascinating. Usually, they do not really seem to care about the people there, but if they look at you by or maybe say something, it is a breathtaking moment. It might sound crazy, but after all they are handball stars, who you do not meet every day on the street. Consequently, I had the luck to see there a few of the biggest names, such as Mikkel Hansen, Nikola Karabatic, Nebojsa Simic or the Dutches’ star Kay Smith.
I am extremely happy that I could experience all this and I wish that one day I will be the one standing there with a microphone and waiting impatiently for the players.