The Power of Giving Back
Volunteers are the heart of every event our organization creates. Without their energy, kindness, and commitment, inclusive sport events like “Be a Sportsman” and other events within SportWay project would not be possible. This event brings together people with and without special needs through sports, play, and shared joy, and it shows how much we can achieve when we work, move, and laugh together.
We wanted to know what drives our volunteers. What inspires them to give their time, effort, and heart. Their answers reminded us that volunteering is much more than just helping others; it’s also about growing, connecting, and discovering yourself. This is what they had to say:
Many said that volunteering gives them the chance to meet people from different walks of life and to
step into a world they might not usually see. “You realize that you have more in common with some people than you ever expected,” one volunteer shared. Another added, “You meet new people — and sometimes you think that being different is something bad, but here you see that it’s not. It can actually be something good.”
Volunteers also spoke about the joy of giving: “I help people because it makes me feel good. We have fun together,” said one. Another added, “When I see children smile and know that I made their day better, it makes my day better too.” Through these moments, they get to know others more deeply — what makes them happy, what motivates them — and often find themselves learning just as much as they give.
Beyond emotions, volunteering also helps students develop important practical skills. It complements their studies, providing hands-on experiences that support their academic and professional growth. Volunteers mentioned learning flexibility, teamwork, and communication, as well as gaining the confidence to step out of their comfort zone. “You can try so many new things that you maybe can’t do at university. And it helps you see where you belong and what really interests you,” said one participant.
Inclusive volunteering, where people with and without disabilities work side by side, also teaches the values of diversity, solidarity, and tolerance. Barriers between “us” and “them” begin to fade: we realize that we are all one, each contributing in our own way. One volunteer put it beautifully: “It’s important that even children learn early on that not everyone is the same — we are all different, and that’s what makes us special.”
Through this experience, volunteers learn that not everything follows strict rules —
sometimes you must adapt, rethink, and adjust your own ways of working. It’s a lesson in empathy, cooperation, and self-awareness, and a reminder that we grow the most when we open ourselves to others.
And of course, the spirit of the event reflects the values we stand for: encouraging healthy living, movement, and inclusion. Along the way, friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and everyone gains something valuable. As one volunteer summed it up: “It’s all about reciprocity.”
Their advice to anyone considering volunteering?
“It’s worth trying. Come with open hands and an open mind — you’ll learn more about yourself than you expect.”
