Hundreds of volunteers arrived in Banská Bystrica for the EYOF training.
Volunteers are an integral part of major sports events. It will be the same in Banská Bystrica at the 16th summer edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival from 24 to 30 July 2022. This week, from 12 to 14 May, more than 700 volunteers gathered under the Urpín Mountain to learn specific information about their chosen position and to help with the organisation of the Youth Olympics with 3,600 participants from five dozen countries of the Old Continent.
"Volunteering is gaining prominence in the perception of the Slovak public thanks to the European Youth Olympic Festival. An integral part is the volunteers, without whom we would not be able to organise the EYOF. However, it is not just about quantity but also quality, which is why all volunteers meet in Banská Bystrica this week. They are currently improving in their chosen field, which they will be in charge of during the event and thus become a full-fledged support of the event,” says the CEO of the EYOF Peter Hamaj.
"Thank you to everyone who has decided to volunteer at the European Youth Olympic Festival in our city. Volunteers are the most important and inseparable segment in organising events of this large size. I am convinced that in the coming days, we will become one big sports family and together we will prepare a successful festival. I believe that we will show our Slovak, volunteer heart to the whole world,” adds the mayor of Banská Bystrica Ján Nosko.
The registration process has been open since March 2021 for all people up to 16. "We have a really big age variation - from the age of sixteen to the oldest volunteer, who is 76. This fact also confirms that this is a position for everyone without difference. We are now at a stage where all registered volunteers have gathered at the EYOF site. It is now up to us to acquaint all the present with the importance of their position and to specifically inform about their work and daily program at the largest multi-sports event this year in Slovakia,” describes the director of volunteers Júlia Jančíková.
Three-day training also with EYOF 2022 ambassadors
Volunteers can choose from 16 areas to assist during the EYOF. Their activities are taken into account not only during but also before and after the event. "We need volunteers on every step of the way. From welcoming the guests, through catering, directly on the sports grounds, assisting the Olympic delegations, in the security, transportation, accommodation, participation in ceremonies up to the administrative activities. Volunteering during such a multi-sports event with a high number of participants is irreplaceable and very necessary in each area,” emphasizes Jančíková. For the training, after the introductory acquaintance, the important members of the entire organising committee will be divided into groups according to the area of work. Each group will receive a specific description of their position, a schedule of work activities and advice on how and how to carry out their post as effectively as possible.
The Olympic winners, as well as the EYOF 2022 ambassadors, biathlete Nastya Kuzmina and athlete Matej Tóth, will personally present the program and their view of volunteering. "No sports event would take place without volunteers. Volunteers will learn their own responsibilities, test their work skills, push their own boundaries, use their language skills and experience the friendly, sports-packed atmosphere of the largest multi-sport event in Slovakia,” says the ambassador Anastasia Kuzmina. "Volunteers add a friendly face to the sports event. Only people who are willing to dedicate their free time for the benefit of others can do that. Without them, we athletes would not be able to fight for medals," adds Matej Tóth, the Olympic race walk champion. Anastasia Kuzmina and Matej Tóth also shot a motivational video for volunteers, which is part of a volunteer campaign.
Do you want to become a volunteer? Don't hesitate! Recruitment of volunteers is still open!
The registration process remains open also after the meeting. "We are giving the opportunity to those who did not have time to apply. And as the saying goes, every hand is needed. If someone is still hesitant whether to apply, we have to say that there is a big chance to be a part of an event for young athletes who are likely to grow into the Olympic winners in ten years, and volunteers can be there right now,” adds Jančíková, the director of volunteers.
Each volunteer who participates in the EYOF Banská Bystrica 2022 will receive a limited edition of clothing, they will be provided with food and drinking regime during the volunteer service, the possibility of rest in the Volunteers Base camp, accommodation will be provided for non-Banská Bystrica volunteers. At the end of the event, each volunteer will receive a certificate of completion of volunteering, which they can apply in their further professional life. In addition, they have the opportunity to acquire new skills in communication in foreign languages, the opportunity to meet new people not only from Slovakia but also from abroad.
Current numbers of volunteers at the EYOF 2022 as of 12 May 2022
Number of confirmed registrations: 1118
Women: 900
Men: 630
Average age of registered volunteers: 25
Number of registered volunteers from Banská Bystrica and surroundings: 395
Number of registered volunteers from Banská Bystrica: 326
Number of confirmed registered volunteers from Slovakia: 933
Number of confirmed registered volunteers from abroad: 185