Volunteers
The Volunteer program for the European Universities Games 2028 is central to the event’s success. Volunteers will play a key role in creating a welcoming and enthusiastic atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. The program serves the dual purpose of both supporting the event and providing the volunteers’ personal and professional development through their involvement in the various operational and functional areas.
Key steps to implementing a successful volunteer program
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will start early in 2027 as we will prepare for the test events before the year of the Games. We will promote it through various promotional tools, media and social channels, emphasizing the significance of volunteering and the unique opportunities offered by European Universities Games. Main target groups include university and high schools, sports clubs, civil society, ex-participants involved in volunteering and healthy lifestyles.
Selection Process
Transparent criteria based on skills, experience, and commitment levels will be developed to select the best volunteers. Assessments will be made through interviews to gain a background on volunteers’ motivations and suitability for different roles.
Training and Education
A detailed training program will cover event specifics, roles, and responsibilities, knowledge of venues, customer service, hospitality, medical support, and communication. We aim to utilize modern methods of delivery such as online training and webinars. At a final stage of education, hands-on simulations will be conducted to ensure volunteers are well-prepared for real-time scenarios.
Volunteer Management during the event
During the event, the designated manager will establish and coordinate volunteer offices. The volunteer offices will be fully equipped (computer equipment, internet, etc.) and will be the place for regular daily meetings of volunteers and coordinator assistants. For every area, we plan a Volunteer-Coordinator or a coordinator, who will be supported by the coordinator assistants specialized in the following fields of volunteering:
- attachè
- accreditation
- protocol
- academic activities
- cultural and social activities
- media, marketing, and photo
- security and administration
- sports facilities
- transport
- medical
- venues
- volunteer training
- accommodation and catering
- evaluation
- IT
- info point
Evaluation Process and Continuous Assessment
The Organizing Committee will implement ongoing assessments during the training period to monitor volunteers’ progress and their level of engagement and will also ensure proactive feedback and additional support when necessary.
During and after the Games, all volunteers will receive reviews and create a feedback system for volunteers to share their experiences and suggest improvements. Feedback will be used to enhance future volunteer programs.
Recognition and Future Engagement
As a part of the recognition and engagement strategy, recipients will get a formal acknowledgment and publically acknowledge volunteers’ contributions. Certificates, letters of appreciation, and small gifts will be given as tokens of thanks for the involvement of volunteers for future events and initiatives.
UniSport Volunteers and Leadership Academy
Croatian Academic Sports Federation launched in 2022 UniSport VILA – Volunteers and Leadership Academy. It represents the first systematic educational project for young people interested in sports and event management. The theoretical part covering key aspects of sports event management is combined with on-site training and education during real-time events, providing attendees a unique opportunity to learn and gain skills and experience. Volunteers joining the EUG 2028 team will participate in UniSport VILA.
