By David Gold
June 15 – Euro 2012 tournament organisers have launched a volunteer programme ahead of next year’s tournament, with the aim of attracting 6,000 people to help out with the organisation of the competition.
The tournament is being held jointly by Ukraine and Poland, and special events were held to mark the launch of the programme.
Application forms to sign up as a volunteer take up to half an hour to complete, and a volunteer from each of the host cities for next year’s competition will be offered a one-week internship at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.
The application form also asks applicants to recommend five other people to sign up to the volunteer programme.
Markiyan Lubkivskiy, the Ukrainian tournament director, said: “The volunteer programme is one of the biggest and, beyond all doubt, one of the most important Euro 2012 projects.
“The candidates have to be really motivated, reliable and ready to work in a big team.
“Volunteers will get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes and become an integral part of the largest sports event ever staged in Poland and Ukraine.”
Lubkisvskiy’s Polish counterpart Daniel Olkowicz added: “The idea of volunteering is part of every big sporting event.
“We are inviting people who want to join with us to share the passion and work together on this unique occasion.”
19 year old Oleksandr Voytyuk, a student from Sarny, western Ukraine, completed the first application form and said: “If I become a volunteer I hope it will not only be a great pleasure for me but also help with my future career.”
Both countries have attracted big name support for their volunteer programmes, in the form of Ukrainian world boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko and former Champions League winning Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.
“I encourage young people to join the UEFA EURO 2012 volunteer programme. Apply for it via UEFA.com and join the action,” said Klitschko.
Dudek, who filled out a volunteer form himself and recommended former Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas, added: “It’s the easiest way for everyone to be very close to this unique tournament.
“We as organisers provide the opportunity to experience football festivities together.”
Applicants must speak fluent English to put themselves forward, and they can sign up to volunteer at UEFA.com.
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