Volunteers – the heart and soul of water polo spectacle in Split

Marija Vujković (9) and Bepo Pavičić (8)  (Photo credit: Cropix)

SPLIT, 1 September 2022 – As we approach the halfway point of the European Championship, we will present you with a special part of the mosaic of water polo spectacle in the Spaladium Arena.

You will easily recognise them in their blue T-shirts, with smiles on their faces and answers to all questions. The youngest of them is only 8 and half years old, and there are more than 200 of them in the team of wonderful volunteers for this competition.

The heart and soul of this international sports event has been the international team of volunteers, which was organised by the Croatian Water Polo Association in cooperation with the Croatian Academic Sports Association.

“We are proud and happy that over 200 volunteers from 10 countries arrived in the heart of Dalmatia, who are actually the lifeblood of this event. A year ago, in cooperation with UniSport, we started to realise this story. I am glad that we have connected several cultures, peoples, languages, sports and young and ambitious people who will best build this kind of project,” noted Renato Živković, general secretary of the Croatian Water Polo Association and executive director of the European Championship in Split, who extended a warm welcome and thanks to all volunteers.

(Photo credit: Vladimir Dugandzic / CROPIX)

“I collect balls, rubbish, give the players water. i enjoy it, it is excellent,” said Bepo Pavičič, the youngest of the volunteers. 

Marija Vujković, who is 9, says she also enjoys volunteering at the European Championships. 

“I am also collecting balls and rubbish for the players. My mum was the championship and that is how I got to like water polo. I am enjoying the experience and the chance to learn more about water polo.” 

Marija and Bepo (Photo credit: Cropix)

Commitment and dedication to work, exceptional precision and attention to detail are only part of the characteristics of the small and bigger helpers who are full members of the European Championship organisational team.

From the early morning and the moment when the first teams, media and guests arrive at the Spaladium Arena until the end of the last game of the day, tireless volunteers fly through the corridors and stairs of the Spaladium. 

“What else can we say, but a big BRAVO for the inexhaustible will and energy. We are very glad that our European Championship is a special chapter in the lives of our volunteers.”