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Dana Cup football tournament relies on volunteers as 20,000 participants gather in Hjørring

Monday 22nd 2024 on 18:04 in  
Denmark

As 20,000 participants from 45 countries gather for the Dana Cup football tournament, the event relies heavily on volunteers to provide meals and shelter for the weary athletes. Volunteer coordinator Kristoffer Jensen stated plainly, “Without volunteers, there would be no Dana Cup.”

For many, like Lissy Strier Kærholm, who has been volunteering for 36 years, this commitment is a vital part of their vacation. However, attracting younger individuals to volunteer roles has proven challenging, as many young people often inquire about the time commitment and potential benefits. “The first questions I get are about how long it takes and what you get for it,” Jensen noted.

To address this issue, organizers are intensifying their efforts to recruit more young volunteers this year. Jensen emphasized the importance of highlighting the values and experiences gained from helping others. Twenty-seven-year-old Kristoffer Axelsen, who recently relocated to Hjørring, expressed that volunteering at the tournament has provided him an opportunity to build a social network. “I only knew my girlfriend and her family when I moved here, so this was a chance to meet new people while being part of something bigger,” he explained.

While 4,000 volunteers assist with various tasks, including guiding players and serving food, Jacob Jensen acknowledged the need to adjust expectations, especially for younger recruits who may not fully grasp the concept of volunteering without immediate rewards. Jensen remarked that the landscape of volunteerism seems to be changing, with fewer young individuals embracing such roles. Nevertheless, some, like Axelsen, find joy in the experience itself, focusing on community and connection rather than expecting anything in return.

Source 
(via dr.dk)