The Peninsula
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) left no stone unturned to make the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East an exceptional one.
From the stadiums to people involved in delivering the biggest football fiesta - in every bit of detail, SC has planned, organised, delivered and succeeded.
Being part of the SC means becoming an integral part of delivering the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. From the staff to volunteers, it aimed to deliver amazing for all the world to see.
Twenty thousand individuals from over 160 countries, that’s the number of volunteers for this year’s World Cup. Their part in the biggest sporting event being held for the first time in the country is vital supporting 45 functional areas across more than 30 different roles.
The volunteers are the heart of tournament operations. They have undergone rigorous training and seminars to provide the best quality of service for everyone.
Part of the 20,000-strong team is Rufaro Makambira-Chindalo who is supporting operations at the Main Media Centre, while her son Kundai is a spectator services volunteer at Khalifa International Stadium, one of eight state-of-the-art venues hosting Qatar 2022 matches.
Since relocating to Doha in 2019, Rufaro has previously volunteered at a number of football competitions in Qatar, including the FIFA Arab Cup, Amir Cup, CAF Super Cup, and AFC Champions League.
“Volunteering has increased my confidence and helped me become comfortable approaching people and striking up conversations. Immersing myself in volunteering also helped me to understand and appreciate the local culture here in Qatar. I was struck by how lovely and welcoming everyone is,” said Rufaro, whose role is based at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
Rufaro’s experiences encouraged her son, Kundai, an undergraduate who lives in Harare, Zimbabwe, to volunteer at last year’s FIFA Arab Cup, with an eye on being a part of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.
Kundai is enjoying his stint at Khalifa, which will host the third-place play-off on December 17. “I love helping people and my role at Khalifa is all about assisting fans in the stadium. Volunteering has helped improve my communication and networking skills, and given me so much confidence - I am really enjoying meeting people from all over the world.”
Hubert Bihler, a 76-year-old volunteer from Germany is also among the volunteers for the World Cup, he said: “I sometimes joke that I have more World Cup participations than Messi.” He first started as a volunteer at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, “from there, I fell in love with volunteering.”
Overall, he has volunteered at five FIFA World Cups: in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and now in 2022. “I was also a volunteer at the 2011 Women’s World Cup.”
Bihler, a former sports and mathematics teacher and football player and coach described his volunteering experience in an Arab country: “The generosity and hospitality of people in Qatar have impressed me. It’s all about the encounters we have. Volunteering enriches my life in a great manner.”
For volunteer Abdulla Al Qahtan, he said Qatar hosting the World Cup confirms the country’s ability to achieve the impossible. “I speak on behalf of all Qataris and Arabs. We are all proud to host an exceptional edition of the tournament here in Qatar, where everyone is welcome. We are all helping to host the most successful and memorable edition of the World Cup.”
“I’ve always wanted to have a role in my country’s achievement and success. So, when volunteer registration began, I knew I had to sign up. I want to give something back to my country even if it is just a small percentage. I began volunteering almost six years ago. Each volunteering experience teaches me a new skill. I previously volunteered during the FIFA Arab Cup at both Education City Stadium and Al Bayt, so I managed to pick up skills through these experiences, which helped me secure a volunteering role at the World Cup.”
Al Qahtani is a volunteer at Al Bayt Stadium for protocol management of hospitality, VIP and VVIP guests. His team is in charge to manage the crowd flow and ensure that everyone has a seamless experience entering and leaving the lounge and stadium.
The 30-year old added: “I am beyond grateful and proud of myself for having a role in the biggest sporting event ever to be held in our country and region. Ever since Qatar won the bid 12 years ago, I hoped to have a role in the success of the tournament. I have learned to communicate with fans from different parts of the world. Another skill is multi-tasking. I have also learned time management skills, which will undoubtedly help me in future volunteering experiences.”
He also encouraged everyone to consider volunteering. “The world of volunteering is huge. So, even if you tried a specific role and didn’t like it, there are other roles you can try. With time, you will learn more about what you like and dislike when it comes to volunteering. I want the World Cup to show everyone that despite Qatar’s small geographical size, it can host the biggest sporting event.”