WKF World Senior Karate Championships in Bremen - Volunteers

Written by the World Karate Federation

The World Senior Karate Championships will take place in 44 days in Bremen, Germany, and the organising committee is working hard to deliver a perfectly organised event. Among all missions, volunteers recruitment may be the most important, as volunteers often are the key to make a roaring success of an event. The recruitment was launched one year ago, and the first application came from Bavaria, about 800 km. away from Bremen.

About 600 volunteers and helpers, together with the organizing team, will support the karate World Championships in Bremen, as well as the Millennium Seminar to take place the days before. From all over Germany, but also from abroad, they have stepped forward to support the largest event in the history of the German Karate Federation. If being a karateka is not required, most of them are. A lot are "back again", and were as well part of the organising team of the European Championships 2003 in Bremen.

Volunteers are at the heart of the Championships. Volunteers are the key to make a roaring success of an event. They generously give their time, their skills and their energy. Missions are wide and each of them will make its contribution to the project by joining one of the many teams: management, logistics, tournament organisation, security, media/communication, catering, medical treatment, referee course or tourist information....

Being a volunteer in such an international event is a personal investment and a hard work, but this does not dampen their enthusiasm. They want to be part of it. We asked them why... Some volunteers give the answer:

Martina Ryssel, TV Erlangen (Bavaria) - security

"The fascination emanating from a major event is huge – especially in the own sport, in the own country: athletes that I know, a sport that accompanied me almost two thirds of my life. And it’s the chance to be a small part of it - more than just a spectator. I had been in Munich 2000, where I was collecting signatures on my official T-shirt - I still own it. No matter whether you are a traditionalist, a competitor or a recreational athlete, such an event fascinates and inspires. To be as close as a helper, I think that you better can absorb the spirit and the atmosphere. It's still worth it! (This and the fact that "I'm on the karate World Championships security" is just kinda cool...)".

Silke Buchhorn, karate dojo Gronau

I'm going there because this sport has been with me since 1977, even in years of training breaks. What I wish? Fair competitions and the chance to connect with people, just in this time where bombs are talking instead of words.

Michael Kenter, TSV Gnarrenburg (Lower Saxony)

It’s the thing about being right in the middle instead of just watching! When will I have ever again the opportunity to witness such an event - virtually on the doorstep? Even though I can almost never train for professional reasons, Karate is fascinating.

Patrick Roloff, karate dojo Lich (Hesse)

I have run the sport now already for 22 years, of which 11 years on competitions. There were always people who have committed to keep the tournaments and to promote karate at this time. I want to give something back now. Since I wanted to look at the World Championships anyway, the opportunity to become a volunteer came just on time. I was also accepted and being closer to the action is almost impossible: Only the world judges and the athletes themselves are closer. I wish of course fair and outstanding athletic competitions with many medals for the German team.

Tine B, Bremen - security

Taking part myself in competitions and regularly comes in the enjoyment of a volunteer, you should return even something on occasion... and because I'm from Bremen, it fits perfectly.

Michael Meisinger, Odenwald - security

I want to help, because in general you have the opportunity to experience a World Championships only once in your own country. And to contribute to the tournament fills me with pride. It is also a way to interact with your peers from around the world and establishing contacts.

Anna Baretta, TSG Bergedorf (Hamburg) - logistics

This is everything! Being in the middle of the World Championships, and support a sport that has changed my life for the better. I discovered karate late - am only for 18 months in training. You have the opportunity to experience such a thing only once in a lifetime.

Sasa, tournament organization

It’s a rare chance to enjoy a World Championships in your own country. And since I've been running karate since my ninth year of life, it's an attitude of life and I now have the opportunity to participate in this event. I will use this opportunity!

Annett Theimer, Bushido Walter Wallace (Thuringia)

I am in my daughter’s club and therefore always close to the karate life. An event like the World Championships, I just don't want to miss. So I can support our athletes in my own way...

Adrian Ditsche, Bremerhaven (Bremen) - security

I train in a more traditional dojo. However, you have the opportunity to experience world-class karate, and this almost on your doorstep, only once. I can learn so much about competition. That is why I am delighted to be there.

Application is still possible, so if you want to join the team, please visit the dedicated website: www.karate2014.de or the WKF website: www.wkf.net

Written by the World Karate Federation

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