On behalf of EUSA they were greeted by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General and Ms Magdalena Wolowiec, Student Commission member. They briefly introduced EUSA, its history, activities and the EUSA volunteer programme.

 

On behalf of the organisers the volunteers were welcomed by Mr Henk Smit, tournament director and Ms Nienke Benders, Volunteer Officer, giving practical information about the event and the system of working.

 

There are over 100 international volunteers taking part in the EUSA volunteer programme, coming from all around Europe are joining over 300 local volunteers, helping to make this event a success.



We are especially proud of the international volunteers who keep returning to EUSA events. Enthusiastic and funny Eszter and Fruzsi from Hungary (left side of the picture below) were among the first international volunteers to land in Cordoba two years ago for the first edition of the European Universities Games. Two years after the Spanish experience, they applied again as volunteers for the EU Games 2014 in Rotterdam through the EUSA volunteer programme. After a 1500km drive from Hungary, they arrived exhausted in Rotterdam but they were up and ready on the next morning to answer a few questions about their experience in Cordoba and their expectations in Rotterdam.

 

So, what have you been up to since the 1st Games in Cordoba?

Fruzsi: I graduated and I spent a full year in the US as a babysitter in Florida, Maine and California. I just came back a few months ago. I'm working and studying now.

Eszter: Well, I'm still a student in Pharmacy, still have two years to go, so I'm very busy between studies and practice... yet I found time last year to go and volunteer for the European Universities Basketball Championship in Split, it was a smaller event, with a nice family feeling. I think I gained quite a lot of experience as a volunteer through both of these events. 

 

Tell us a bit more about your memories of Cordoba...

Fruzsi: I enjoyed Cordoba a lot, it was a great fun, good laugh everyday. I remember that all was not perfectly set when we arrived, but we did our best to welcome the participants in the best conditions. We created a great atmoshphere at the accreditation desk with other international volunteers. We really wanted everyone to be happy, and I think we managed. 

Besides the good fun and the great friendships, I was really impressed by the city itself, the Mosque is amazing. Taking part in the football championship medal ceremony was also quite an emotional moment I will remember. 

Eszter: Definitely my best memories about Cordoba is the new friends I made and the amazing feeling of seeing a lot of European students, from so many countries, getting together, playing, exchanging, having fun... this is the true spirit of the Games. 

 

What are your expectations in Rotterdam?

Fruzsi: I don't have big expectations, I just want to have the same fun I had in Cordoba!

Eszter: I want to be able to catch up with the old friends and make new ones.

 

This impromptu meeting was calling for a new picture with Eszter and Fruzsi, but we invited to more Hungarian guests; in the picture Fanni (left) and Dora (right) who also joined.

More information about the EUSA international programme can be found at the EUSA website and please check the official EUGames website.