National Volunteers' Week - Herman Prada
Herman Prada
When did you first become a volunteer? What was the catalyst?
“As far as I remember, it was when some volleyball national championships in my home country took place. I was already spending most of my spare time in activities related to volleyball, so it was very easy to volunteer and dedicate even more time to my sport. Volunteering is fun; you get to meet so many people from all over the place”.
Why volunteer for volleyball?
“Volleyball is THE sport which I have loved most of my life. When I was a kid, I did not like football and didn’t enjoy basketball because of the direct contact with the opposition. I was introduced to volleyball when I was nine and that was it, my passion for the sport started. I used to miss classes in secondary school to go and play volleyball. I used to train five days a week and play the other two. To be active within the sport is, simply, fantastic so, if I want to volunteer my time off, why not to do it for the sport that I love?”
What roles, as well as a VE Official, do you have?
“Within volleyball, I volunteer in the role of Sitting Volleyball Competitions Lead and am an Indoor Referee Tutor. My day-to-day job is in international education. I have had the opportunity to travel around the world establishing and fostering partnerships”.
How do you encourage new volunteers into the sport?
“Volleyball is a great family. We look after each other and have great times regardless of what discipline we volunteer for, Sitting, Indoor or Beach. COVID had a real bad effect on all of us. Re-taking the opportunity to meet people and socialise is great. Just give it a try and you will see how much you love the experience”.
What has been you most pleasing/ exciting experience as a volunteer?
“Without a doubt, having had the opportunity to be a volunteer and an NTO during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. After those, volunteering for five Invictus Games and two world championships in athletics”.
Thank-you for your time, Herman!
