Meet Günter, a valuable member of the volunteer team at the European Para Championships. In this article, we share the inspiring interview with Günter, in which he talks about his motivation to be involved in this multi sport event and why he is inspired by Para sports.

Günter has dealt with a spinal cord injury in the past, which presented him with various challenges and eventually landed him in a wheelchair. This life-changing experience has enabled Günter to better empathize with people with similar challenges. He sees how people make the best of their situation and use sports as a way to recover and resume their lives. ”I was triggered and motivated and from then on I decided to devote my time to volunteering for events that focus on Para sports.”

Expectations for the European Para Championships

“I am looking forward to the European Para Championships,” said Günter. “For me, Para sports is not always about winning, but about the sporting battle in different disciplines. This is also highly expected in Rotterdam. These events are an important part of a journey towards more inclusion in society. The European Para Championships make sport inclusive and open to more diversity. I hope the event inspires a wide audience to come and watch and practice the Para sports themselves.”

Enjoying the Para sports
Günter has been following Wheelchair Basketball for some time and has had the opportunity to support the German sitting volleyball team in their preparation for Tokyo 2020. Besides team sports, Günter also has a high interest in individual sports, especially Para Archery appeals to him greatly. ”Athletes shoot arrows from 25 meters into the bullseye, which is fantastic to watch”

In addition to his involvement in Para sports, Günter himself has experience in Wheelchair Basketball and will also participate in the Wings For Life World Run in May. This event aims to support research to cure spinal cord injuries. With a wink, Günter says, “I’m pretty proud to finish my 11.5 kilometers in my wheelchair before the last car comes to get me.”

The power of volunteering
”I would recommend everyone to become a volunteer, because it can be an experience of a lifetime,” shares Günter. ”Even in small functions, such as access and accreditation control, you can gain valuable experiences and feel people’s gratitude. As a volunteer, you make an indispensable contribution to the successful running of the European Para Championships.”

We are looking for volunteers to help us organise the greatest event possible! Click here to go straight to volunteer sign-up. Thanks in advance and we’d love to see you in August!