UK SCHOOL GAMES GIVES INSPIRATION VOLUNTEERS RICH EXPERIENCE
SubscribeLee Taylor 11 September 2008
Fifteen volunteers were recently given the opportunity to visit Britain and attend the UK School Games as part of the International Inspiration programme.
Two young leaders and their chaperones from each of the five pilot countries of Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Palau and Zambia attended the Games, organised and run by the Youth Sport Trust and the British Council, as part of a cultural exchange via International Inspiration, an initiative that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of millions of children and young people in developing countries.
Led by UK Sport on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), International Inspiration is a collaboration of expertise in sport, development and education. Delivery partners are the British Council and UNICEF UK and the programme is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID), the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and the Premier League.
The volunteers worked across the four sports of athletics, fencing, table tennis and volleyball. Tasks included scoring, acting as ball boys/girls, sweeping courts and leading teams into their arenas. In addition they were involved in the medal ceremonies and assisted both athletes and spectators alike.
In addition they also had the opportunity to meet and discuss their experience with the Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe and his predecessor Richard Caborn, as well as the Chair of UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust, Sue Campbell, and the Deputy Chair of LOCOG, Sir Keith Mills.
When listing their highlights, the group pointed to the teamwork they experienced, the friendships they made, and attending a multi-Games event first hand, with the opportunity to return home and share best practice being extremely valuable. Asked what International Inspiration meant to them following their visit, replies ranged from the breaking down of barriers between countries and communities, and the empowerment the programme provides to young people.
Volunteer Hartley Ito of Palau said: “I don’t think there are words to describe how important International Inspiration is to me. I’ve met people from different countries, and learnt about different cultures and languages. It has touched me and helped me grow so much.”
“I’ve heard so much about the trip and I’m so excited about the kids’ experiences,” said UK Sport’s Country Programme Manager for Palau, Jubilee Kuartei. “They have changed so much in the 10 days that they were gone - they appear so much more confident! It makes me feel I made the right choice in selecting students.”
Aygun Huseynli of the British Council, and chaperone from Azerbaijan, said: “It was a great experience to join the UK School Games and participate in the training on Child Protection and Welfare. I would like to thank everyone for their support.”
