Paralympian is just one of the hats that sitting volleyball player Julie Kozun wears. When she’s not competing on the court, Kozun keeps herself busy volunteering and getting involved with local initiatives that support her home community of Melfort.
In 2018 she was recognized for her efforts and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the city’s mayor for her involvement with The War Amps as a safety ambassador. In honour of National Volunteer Week, Kozun spoke with Sask Sport about how volunteers have impacted her experience as an athlete and how she volunteers her time.
How have volunteers impacted your personal experience as an athlete?
I think volunteers have a huge impact on every athlete’s experience but sometimes athletes don’t always realize it or appreciate them. Thinking back on past events and where volunteers impact me the most would have to be our translators or guides at international events.
One that stands out the most was back in 2016 when my team was competing in China and both the Canadian women’s team and the Canadian men’s team were provided with a translator/coordinator that helped us get from the hotel to our venue and was also there to communicate for us. They were both university students that knew English and volunteered to help us out for a few weeks. Without those two volunteers, we most likely wouldn’t have made it to a single game on time.
What are the benefits of having volunteers in the sport community?
The benefit is simple. Without volunteers I don’t think the sport community would be able to afford to host the events we have. Volunteers are the people behind the scenes setting up gyms and events way before they start and they are there taking everything down way after everyone leaves. Volunteers are the ball shaggers, the linesmen and the scorekeepers; without them we wouldn’t have a fair game to play.
Have you been inspired to explore a volunteer position?
I volunteer my time coaching a U16 club volleyball team for about four months of the year. It is a huge time commitment, and I can understand how volunteering can take away from your personal free time, but it can also be very rewarding for the right people/group.
How often do you interact with volunteers at tournaments/championships?
During the competition, interaction with volunteers is limited, mostly because we are focused on the game and tuning out everything around us. However, after the event is over and at the medal ceremonies, we always make sure to take the time to take pictures and sign T-shirts for the volunteers who want them!
