Universiade enthusiasm begins with the Napoli 2019 volunteers

NAPOLI — Throughout the 30^th Summer Universiade, there has been a team of enthusiastic volunteers looking to provide assistance and support wherever necessary. From arrival at the airport to inside the event venues located across the city, volunteers are working hard to ensure athletes, spectators and guests are well looked after.

“Volunteers are some of the most important people at the Universiade,” says Riccardo Ferriani, Coordinator of the volunteer FISU Family Attachés. “They are the first people that our guests see when they arrive at the airport and we want them to mirror the Universiade. If they are friendly, happy and smiling, then our guests will feel their enthusiasm. It is a great start to the Universiade for the guest.”

Over the 12 days of competition, more than 4,600 volunteers from 79 countries have come together, committing their time, energy and passion for sport to support one of the biggest multi-sport events of the year. However, preparations for these volunteers began before any ball was kicked or medal was won. Like the athletes, these volunteers have been in training to make sure they are well equipped to deal with all the challenges that live sport presents.

“When we train, we train for the everyday information that the volunteers might need,” Ferriani adds. “But we also try and prepare volunteers for the unknown problems which may occur. I think it is 90% routine, and 10% unknown issues so it is very important to be elastic, to manage in best way each day and find solutions when needed.”

Often unknown situations require creative ideas to overcome and it is the enthusiasm of volunteers, willing to go out of their way to find an answer that provides the breakthrough.

“The Napoli 2019 volunteers are full of energy and ready to work, no matter what you ask of them,” said Fabio Ianuale, Volunteer Supervisor. “They are learning how to manage situations and people from different countries, and are ready to take on the challenge. Maybe I have been lucky but I have been given a great team to work with!”

 From translation services to working with team delegations to sports venue preparation, major sports events rely on event volunteers. In turn, the volunteers gain valuable leadership and skills – and a front row seat to the event and its preparation!

Volunteers also have the inside track when it comes to local knowledge. With many of them coming from the Campania region, volunteers can advise on the best restaurants, shops or cultural sights, often avoiding the more touristic areas.

“Our volunteers are proud to show guests their city in the best way possible,” Ferriani continues. “Many are local people so they are happy to suggest the best areas based on their own years of experience.”

The advantage for volunteers is the opportunity to encounter first-hand the challenges and issues that occur during live sporting events. These experiences cannot be taught, but present an unrivalled chance to learn.

“Volunteering here is a bit stressful but it is fantastic because it is a great experience,” volunteer Caterina de Luca said. “For me it is great for me to speak languages, which is what I study. But also team work and team leading, and I have also enjoyed the sports which is good!”

 Many of the sports presentation performances came from local troupes and talents of the Campania Region

Rachele Renno worked directly with FISU President Oleg Matytsin and shared her experience of volunteering:

“When I started my experience, I couldn’t imagine what would happen in the two weeks of Universiade. It was one of the most intense and instructive experiences of my life, it meant responsibilities, always concentrating and problem solving, but it also meant especially teamwork, sharing ideas and discovering new skills. It was an honour and great pleasure to share this experience with people from all over the world and I would like to thank the FISU President, Mr Matytsin, for teaching me many important things over my time with him.”

So, would the Napoli 2019 volunteers themselves recommend volunteering to students at future Universiades?  

“It is a great experience,” said Federica Rolfo. “We met a lot of people from all over the world. We learned to work in team, we learn problem solving and how to work under pressure. We are so happy to share this international event in our city, because it is very important for Napoli and we are so proud to be part of this big FISU Family.”

“You must do it! It’s a really important experience and it can open a lot of doors,” De Luca said. “You can practice a lot of different skills, so do it with all your heart and it will be fantastic.”