Strong community, valuable commitment

“No games without you!” The motto for the volunteers at the World University Games could hardly be more apt: without the 12,000 or so volunteers who are dedicating their time to the student competitions at the Rhine and Ruhr, as well as at the competition venues in Berlin, the world’s biggest multi-sport event of the year could not take place. The volunteers are a remarkable community: people from different age groups and different countries of origin come to work together, as international volunteers also travel to the games. People with disabilities have likewise been recruited as volunteers by the organisers. Thanks to their dedication, they make a valuable contribution to ensuring that the World University Games are as inclusive as possible. 

They relate to sport in different ways, too: many volunteers are motivated simply by the opportunity to be present at a major sporting event. This is nothing new for Kim Krüger, however: until recently, the 21-year-old student was a top-class athlete herself, winning among other things the 50-metre backstroke event in the German swimming championship in 2023. She is now concentrating all her attention on her psychology degree course, and says about her upcoming stint as a volunteer: “I’m looking forward to the great atmosphere and to getting to know lots of new people. For me it will be a novel experience to be at the games not as an athlete, but up close and personal nonetheless. 

“Green volunteers” to protect the environment 

The volunteers have a wide range of duties: Kim Krüger will be mainly looking after media representatives and making sure that they find their way to competitions such as gymnastics or the 3x3 basketball events. Volunteers also act as points of contact for athletes and spectators alike, providing assistance in all kinds of areas - including the training of athletes, IT support or doping tests. “Green volunteers” help ensure that environmental protection is given due consideration during the games. 

Though the volunteers don’t get paid, the work is nonetheless rewarding on many levels. It gives Kim Krüger a direct boost in her psychology degree, as the University of Duisburg-Essen acknowledges her commitment by awarding her credit points. Joshua Feinstein, student board member of the German University Sports Federation, sums up some of the other advantages: “Volunteering fosters one’s personal and professional development, improving teamwork, communication and organisational skills.”