Volunteers mobilized: 3,000 want to work at the World Ski Championships

Volunteering is already becoming popular – and this was clearly demonstrated at the World Cup finals held in Saalbach-Hinterglemm last week. There are about 500 volunteers working there. They ensure that the event runs smoothly.

“I run the shuttles for the World Cup Ski Finals here in Saalbach,” says one of these volunteers, Louis Simpson from Hagen (Germany). “My job is to coordinate the press shuttle.” Eva Angerer from Mills in Tyrol is another volunteer: “I work in the media center, that is, in the press conferences, giving support, passing the microphones, writing some things for volunteering. That's where they need me.”

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Organizers are spoiled for choice

Volunteer coordinator Imke Langerer knows there is a huge demand to participate in next year's World Cup: “We have more than 3,000 applications, and we need about 1,400 people. So we will be spoiled for choice, but of course we will also have the luxury of being able to choose people who have a lot of time.” Available, experienced and simply motivated.

Assistants' tasks range from sliding down slopes to providing marketing and media support. There's no money for it, but there are other benefits: “For me, it's very special to be able to look behind the scenes and really be able to see how much work has actually gone into it so that the people on set and in front of the TV can… He watches it and enjoys it.' I've signed up for next year, and we'll see if they accept me, but I hope so.'

“More contact with ski racers”

One of the older assistants is Rudolf Kratke from Vienna: “It's the atmosphere when you like skiing. You come into contact with ski racers a little more than usual. Yes, we like to do it that way. We also have a few fun activities in the guesthouse.” The commitment is great. And by the way, these are memories for the volunteers for the rest of their lives.