The important role of volunteers in the upcoming sporting event

Volunteers play a vital role in organizing any major, high-level event. Our country has accumulated extensive experience in meticulously preparing for international forums, conferences, and sporting competitions, and effectively utilizing volunteer assistance during these events. As we previously reported, a large group of volunteers will also participate in the Arkadag vs. Al-Nasr match, which will soon be held at the Pearl Capital Stadium as part of the 2nd AFC Champions League Round of 16. We were interested in this, so we contacted Arslan Muradov, a specialist in the scientific department of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports.

— Professor Arslan, media reports indicate that more than half a dozen volunteers are preparing for the upcoming important match…

— Yes, volunteers and responsible teachers are training in preparation for the football match, which will take place at the Pearl Capital Stadium on February 11th. Eighty-nine teachers and 507 students from our higher education institution were involved in this work. — What can you tell us about the main features of this year's training?

— This is the first time we've used a digital management system in preparation for and organizing major events in our country. This platform was created to ensure the orderly and efficient deployment of volunteers at the stadium. Developed in pilot mode, the platform helps clearly display volunteer locations on a map and quickly contact them. The platform was proposed by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the Young Technologists scientific organization of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. It has been successfully tested both online and offline.

— Volunteer training begins with specialized training. Tell us about the organizational status of this training!

— Of course, the theoretical and practical training of volunteers was fully implemented in accordance with the relevant plan. The theoretical training included a 22-hour course on sports ethics, safety rules, and communication culture. Practical training was organized last month at the capital's Olympic Stadium as an introductory event. "Not only the football players but also the volunteers need to prepare for the big match. Are training sessions complete yet?"

"No, they're not. Students at our country's higher education institutions are currently on winter break. After their return, we plan to continue training ahead of the match. In fact, we began this work back in January. As part of the training sessions at the Olympic Stadium, we identified locations for volunteers and designated teachers. Our volunteers are also helping organize the "ARKADAG" sign, which will be hung in the stadium with the participation of over 5,500 fans."

"In addition to the volunteers who will work in various fields, a media group consisting of young preachers has also been created."

"Yes. The initiative to create such a group came from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This demonstrates that our country's higher education institutions, ministries, and departments are actively involved in preparations for the upcoming sports festival." Continuing our discussion of the media group, we note that it included 12 faculty members from Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, and the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, as well as 76 talented and articulate students. They will be involved in preparing reports, photos, and videos and disseminating them to the international community in preparation for the meeting and during the event. In this regard, special training sessions were held with the team members, both online and in person.

— Overall, both our volunteers and the media group are preparing for the meeting at full capacity. May the historic football match hosted by the Arkadag team, like any major sporting event, remain in our memories with the most pleasant memories! Professor Arslan, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your engaging stories. We wish you success in your work!

— Thank you very much! Our hero, Arkadag, said that this meeting will be filled with a festive atmosphere for everyone. Based on this, we will do everything possible to hold the meeting at the highest level. We also wish the Arkadag team victory in this major sporting event.

Interview recorded by: Agageldy Italmazov

Turkmenistan. Photo by Ilaman Churiev