Information and photos courtesy of volleyball.org.au
As CEO of Volleyball NSW, Baz Wedmaier is only too aware of how important volunteers are to make any sport or sporting event tick.
However it is also often said that volunteers get out of an event more than they put in and that was certainly the case for Baz earlier this year when he had to opportunity to work at one of the most iconic venues the sporting world has ever seen.
Baz worked on the Operations Team for beach volleyball at Paris 2024, helping to deliver all the sport-specific aspects of the event – net height changes, court preparation, equipment, presentation of the venue, coordination with the athletes, referees, sports presentation and broadcast etc.
While many people he worked with had never seen a volleyball match live, Baz’s early enquiry to volunteer in Paris earned him a Games-long booking underneath the Eiffel Tower.
Asked what was the best part of being involved, Baz is clear: “The people”.
“You meet so many different people from all over,” he said. “Right from the athletes themselves down to the youngest volunteer, everyone is experiencing a once in a life time opportunity together and it creates a lot of amazing stories.”
Baz’s experience is one which many Australians will have the opportunity to replicate when the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships are in Adelaide this time next year.
Of more than a thousand staff and volunteers for beach volleyball in Paris, Baz was one of around 15 Aussies involved in everything which took place behind the scenes to create the incredible spectacle which will remain in sporting minds for decades to come.
With Adelaide 2025 providing another opportunity for many Australians to take part in a truly global, sporting event, Baz’s advice to anyone considering putting up their hand is emphatic.
“DO IT,” he said. “In many ways, society has moved to a ‘what’s in it for me’ mindset before realising the real value is being there in the moment, without expectation.
“The opportunities that come out of these events are endless and you never know who you will meet or what comes next.
“Every day is different. Every game is different. Every role is different. And everyone is welcome and needed.”
“You don’t have to know the sport or have a special skill. The fun that is created in event environments sometimes is simply because you are together, learning new skills and putting in effort for a higher purpose.”
Keep an eye on Adelaide 2025 and Volleyball Australia channels in the coming months to find out how you can be a part of the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships.
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