November 16, 2023
Beyond Beaches: Young Enthusiasts Spearhead a Historic Celebration of Sports in India’s Beach Capital
Amidst the vibrant celebration of the ongoing 37th National Games in Goa, the true heroes emerge in the form of passionate volunteers, infusing life and energy into the event. These dedicated individuals, hailing from various districts in Goa, have rallied together with a singular objective – to spread joy and enthusiasm throughout the games.
In an unprecedented move, Goa, renowned as India’s beach capital, has undertaken the monumental responsibility of hosting the National Games for the first time. This historic occasion serves as a platform for budding athletes to showcase their talents, and the volunteers, many of whom are just 18 years old, eagerly embraced the chance to be part of this momentous event. Their motivation goes beyond showcasing Goa as a tourist destination; it’s about introducing their state as a hub of sports and cultural richness.
With smiles as disarming as the beaches they represent, volunteers like Sunil from Margao have been instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere at specific events, such as the Beach Football competition held at Colva Beach. Sunil, a media volunteer, expresses his excitement, stating, “I did not think twice when the circular was issued by Goa University in the first week of October.”
The selection process for these volunteers is competitive, with only a fraction of eager candidates making the cut. Sunil elaborates, “Out of 250 students from our college, only 100 were selected to serve as volunteers.” The experience gained from volunteering at events like music concerts in Goa played a crucial role in Sunil’s selection.
Firdouse Mujawar, an ACT volunteer at Goa Engineering College, echoes the sentiment, calling it a “life-long cherishing moment” that has improved his social skills and provided opportunities to interact with notable personalities, including the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Goa, Mr. Govind Gaude, and accomplished athletes like Deepika Kumari.
Behind the scenes, Volunteer Managers (VMs) like Rishav Sharma ensure that everything runs smoothly. Sharma describes the role as akin to a ship’s captain, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning to tie up any loose ends. Despite the challenges, he finds the experience fulfilling, working alongside immensely dedicated volunteers.
For many volunteers, this isn’t just an altruistic endeavor; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Claude Beranza, a second-year student at St. Xavier’s College, sees his role as a volunteer as a paid internship that will enhance his CV upon graduation. Claude, stationed at the Peddem Indoor Sports Complex, reflects on the diverse experiences, saying, “To meet so many people from walks of life, and most importantly the athletes, it has been a fantastic experience so far.“
As the heartbeat of the 37th National Games, these volunteers embody the spirit of the event, making every moment truly worthwhile. Their efforts, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm contribute to the success of an event that transcends mere competition and becomes a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and community spirit. #NationalGamesGoa2023 #VolunteerSpirit #SportsFiesta https://www.sportiwe.com/
