Overall, there are over 5,000 of them involved in the day to day running of the tournament now in progress at six stadiums. They support a range of functional areas, including ticketing, spectator services, protocol and media, among others, and also helped to build the atmosphere on match days.
As many as 250 international volunteers from 42 countries are helping Qatar stage the FIFA Arab Cup, a report in The Penisula, Qatar, says.
Many of the volunteers recently enjoyed a sightseeing tour of Qatar on one of the tournament rest days, which included stops at Souq Waqif, the Doha Corniche and Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Overall, there are over 5,000 who are involved in the day to day running of the tournament now in progress at six stadiums. They support a range of functional areas, including ticketing, spectator services, protocol and media, among others, and also helped to build the atmosphere on match days.
Martyn Lewis, from England, says he was thrilled to support the tournament and play a part in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup preparations. He is familiar with the region after previously living in Dubai and Muscat.
He says “I joined the team because I wanted to make this event a huge success for Qatar“.
“As someone passionate about the game and who has lived in the region, it was only natural for me to come here. Qatar’s World Cup stadiums are incredible to see up close. Also, I’ve been able to visit Doha – it really is a beautiful city and the people here are extremely welcoming”, adds Martyn
Kawa Mahmoud, from Iraq, says he is impressed with the scale and size of Qatar’s stadiums.
“The atmosphere in the stadiums has been exhilarating. To witness the stadiums come to life and be a part of the team is such a beautiful feeling. I have been able to meet people from so many different nationalities and cultures – and during my short stay here, I feel I have learned a lot. I can’t wait to come back for the World Cup.”
Tolulope Bakinson, from Canada, says everyone has united over their passion for volunteering and love of football.
“As someone passionate about the game and who has lived in the region, it was only natural for me to come here. Qatar’s World Cup stadiums are incredible to see up close. Also, I’ve been able to visit Doha – it really is a beautiful city and the people here are extremely welcoming”, adds Martyn
“We have formed our own little international community here in Qatar and I am very proud to be a part of it. I have made friends from different parts of the world; from the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. We have all come together to celebrate football, our shared love for volunteering, and we all hope to be back for more of the same next year.”
For many volunteers, it was their first trip to the region, including Abdullahi Idris Muhammad, from Nigeria, who is a passionate football fan.
“My experience has been full of so many incredible moments,” said Muhammad, It has been especially nice to meet members of the Nigerian community here in Qatar.”
Nasser Al Mogaiseeb, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Volunteer Strategy Manager, praised the volunteers for their enthusiasm and dedication.
“Our international volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and career paths, so each of them brings something different to the table. Between all 250 of them, their skillsets have played a key role in ensuring the success of the FIFA Arab Cup.”
International Volunteers
He continues: “International volunteers also offer an opportunity for cultural exchange between staff and fans. Thanks to football we are building bridges and enabling positive cultural dialogue.”
Applications for the FIFA World Cup Volunteers Programme will open early next year through FIFA’s Global Volunteer platform.
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