The success and judgment of an international sporting event is greatly influenced by the work and commitment of the volunteers. Without them, the European Men’s Handball Championship in 2022 will not be successful. The application and selection process will start in the near future. We talked to Anna Mikó, the project manager of the Hungarian volunteer programme of the EHF EURO 2022.
January 2022 is approaching, one of the most important world sport events of the next year, with 24 teams and three host cities and venues in Hungary. How were you prepared to recruit volunteers? Is it a big challenge?
Of course, but based on our experience at our previous world events, a recruitment scenario has already been developed, we have prepared the work. The design of the volunteers’ clothing was completed, we shot a promotional video, and we are preparing numerous programs for the later volunteer team. There will be constant training and preparation, everyone will have enough time to be ready for their task by the time we get there.
Let’s reassure everyone: nobody’s been late for anything yet, right?
No one is late, the recruitment of volunteers will start soon, which we will indicate on our official website!
What are the most important criterias and on what basis do you select volunteers?
An important consideration in the selection process is that the applicant reaches the age of 16 by the start of the event, attends pre-training and undertakes the appropriate number of shifts. Knowledge of English – and other languages – is definitely an advantage.
You already have extensive experiences, as you have organized volunteers at many Hungarian sporting events. Why somebody apply for such a programme?
This will definitely be an unusual handball event, as it will be the first men’s handball European Championship in Hungary. Those who will work with us can learn about the background of organizing a world event, see behind the scenes and in the meantime help the twenty-four best teams in Europe to perform successfully. Volunteers will also be able to take part in accompanying programmes and gain experience in these. Last but not least, such an event is a great learning opportunity, and in the meantime, the chosen ones can gain new friends and valuable experiences.
How specific is handball in the eyes of a volunteer?
The competition organization is definitely the case, as a field wiper, for example, needs to know what is happening on the field when and why, as well as sport-specific signs and rules. Of course, there are also several areas where those who may not come from the world of handball can find their calculations.
Where, which areas tend to oversubscribe the most?
It depends on the personality which person feels most comfortable in which area. The field of team liaison and competition management is always of great interest.
How much do you expect the European Championship in person, what will be the biggest challenge for you?
I am very excited to start recruiting and get to know the volunteer team. It will be a big challenge to implement the same volunteer programme in three locations at the same time, Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged, but we are ready to start!
How many volunteers will be needed in Hungary?
It is anticipated that 250 volunteers per location will assist in the successful implementation, but after the end of the group stage, we will reach a higher level in Budapest, where even bigger and even more tasks await the volunteers. It is no exaggeration that the world of handball will be watching us during the Main Round and the Final Weekend, there will be 20,000 fans on the spot, which requires a lot of attention, and of course a huge experience. We have never had a handball event in Hungary as large as the one waiting for us at the end of the EHF EURO 2022. This is why the task will be exciting, also for the volunteers.
What should the volunteers pay attention to in the next period? Where will they be able to get information that the application has started?
Be sure to follow our social media interfaces and website. There you will find all the information you need to apply. You can also go through our Frequently Asked Questions and our area description. And if you still have questions, feel free to contact us and we will help!