Although children and youth are at the heart of the Power Cup, the event could not be organized without the help of volunteers. Around 1,000 volunteers help to build the fields, kiosks and food stations, among other things. The Power Cup is also a popular destination for foreign volunteers.
Through an EU organized volunteering program, 11 foreign volunteers have arrived in Loimaa. Ilze Liepina-Naula, who works as a project coordinator at Loimaa Evangelical Folk High School, has had a wonderful opportunity this year to combine her two passions: volunteering and volleyball.
“One of my dreams has come true!” Liepina-Naula, from Latvia, says volleyball was a safe place for her when she arrived in Loimaa: “The volleyball community in Loimaa was a home for me, and helped me integrate into this environment.”
She has been part of the EU Solidarity Core Volunteers program for several years now, which has brought Europeans aged 18-30 to Loimaa to volunteer in various volunteer jobs. Those who have come to Finland through the program are either students or unemployed. They spend either 2 months or a year here, depending on the length of the program. For groups the length of the period varies from two weeks forwards.
Liepina-Naula explains that volunteering is divided into three different areas: volunteering in the Power Cup itself, working with Finnish students and individual development during the exchange.
The EU funds the volunteers’ travel to the destination country, but the volunteering organization provides them with accommodation and meals. Volunteers will also earn 7 euros per day through the program.
Ilze Liepina-Naula names Carme Alcala-Bejarano Masachi as a super volunteer. This is her first time in Finland, and she has already spent ten months volunteering with local sports clubs. Now, for the first time, she will experience the excitement and joy of the Power Cup.
“The Power Cup is crazy! I handed out water cups for five hours straight and more and more people kept coming”. The Spanish volunteer is amazed how such a big event works so well: “There are a lot of people, but it’s impressive how well you can manage such a big crowd.”
Volunteering is important to Masachi: “I love being part of events big and small, and learning more all the time.” “Here, you live for volleyball, and you can see it everywhere!”. Masach, who works at the food counter, sends his regards to the players, “As a volunteer you can feel the energy of the players”.
