When the ICC cricket world cup ended on Sunday last I was personally sad about two things. 1) That New Zealand could not make a better fight of it after reaching the finals for the first time ever and 2) My stint as a volunteer came to an end and I actually felt a bit sad about it. I have been an avid cricket fan and also a player of some repute in my younger days. So when they advertised for volunteers for the world cup I applied immediately for Hamilton. After a round of documentation and a personal interview, I was lucky to be selected as the only Broadcast Assistant for the three matches played at Hamilton. My past experience in India as a radio broadcaster and sports commentator for television apparently worked in my favour.
During the course of my duties I got to carry the actual world cup itself and take a nice picture with it to show my grand kids at some point hopefully :) But the icing on the cake was that in my role I was also allowed access to the field of play and all the commentary boxes. So I had an unforgettable time rubbing shoulders in the commentary box with the greats of the game like Matthew Hayden, Dean Jones (had a very humorous chat with him), Russell Arnold, Saurav Ganguly, Sunil Gavaskar, Shaun Pollock, Scott Styris, Simon Doull, Sanjay Manjrekar, Pommie Mbangwa and pretty much walk alongside all the players while they went on and off the field. A really good moment to cherish indeed and something I could possibly experience only in New Zealand.
But the real reason I am sharing this is that it is such a great learning experience to be a volunteer. It gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of like minded people and friendships are made very easily. By virtue of wearing the same uniform and doing similar work as everyone else there is a sense of oneness and belonging. This quickly breaks down the barriers that exist between people of different races, backgrounds, etc. A volunteering stint could also lead to interesting opportunities including possibly even landing that much needed job. I must have done a good job because I was promptly invited to play a role in the FIFA under 20 world cup that is starting soon. Admittedly this is also a volunteering job but the fact is people are gauging you and could lead to opportunities. One co-volunteer is now about to introduce me to a friend who has been seeking immigration advice and so I might land a potential client too. I met quite a few international students who were volunteers too and I spoke to them and commended them for their initiative. It shows they are willing to go the extra mile to make their New Zealand experience better and possibly even create opportunities for themselves.
So I strongly encourage anyone who is new in New Zealand to consider volunteering. It is very fulfilling at a personal level and could possibly also create a network of friends and opportunities. Not to mention the nice goodies that you get to keep as mementos :) Best wishes. And do join my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/NZOptions
Nga mihi (regards)
During the course of my duties I got to carry the actual world cup itself and take a nice picture with it to show my grand kids at some point hopefully :) But the icing on the cake was that in my role I was also allowed access to the field of play and all the commentary boxes. So I had an unforgettable time rubbing shoulders in the commentary box with the greats of the game like Matthew Hayden, Dean Jones (had a very humorous chat with him), Russell Arnold, Saurav Ganguly, Sunil Gavaskar, Shaun Pollock, Scott Styris, Simon Doull, Sanjay Manjrekar, Pommie Mbangwa and pretty much walk alongside all the players while they went on and off the field. A really good moment to cherish indeed and something I could possibly experience only in New Zealand.
But the real reason I am sharing this is that it is such a great learning experience to be a volunteer. It gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of like minded people and friendships are made very easily. By virtue of wearing the same uniform and doing similar work as everyone else there is a sense of oneness and belonging. This quickly breaks down the barriers that exist between people of different races, backgrounds, etc. A volunteering stint could also lead to interesting opportunities including possibly even landing that much needed job. I must have done a good job because I was promptly invited to play a role in the FIFA under 20 world cup that is starting soon. Admittedly this is also a volunteering job but the fact is people are gauging you and could lead to opportunities. One co-volunteer is now about to introduce me to a friend who has been seeking immigration advice and so I might land a potential client too. I met quite a few international students who were volunteers too and I spoke to them and commended them for their initiative. It shows they are willing to go the extra mile to make their New Zealand experience better and possibly even create opportunities for themselves.
So I strongly encourage anyone who is new in New Zealand to consider volunteering. It is very fulfilling at a personal level and could possibly also create a network of friends and opportunities. Not to mention the nice goodies that you get to keep as mementos :) Best wishes. And do join my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/NZOptions
Nga mihi (regards)
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| With the "actual" ICC World Cup...a proud moment indeed. |
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| A replica of the world cup given to all volunteers as a memento along with a certificate of appreciation. |
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