Sønderborg, Denmark, September 17, 2016. 20 asylum seekers from the local Refugee Centre are currently helping out as volunteers in the city of Sønderborg, which is hosting the first of two round robin tournaments on schedule for Pool B in the second round of qualifications to the 2017 CEV Volleyball European Championship – Men.
They are mopping the floor, rolling balls, and keeping the score.
“Volleyball Denmark are happy with the huge effort the residents from Sønderborg Asylum Centre are making. All volunteers are a priceless part of hosting a big international sport event as the qualification to the 2017 CEV Volleyball European Championship,” says Jakob Wärme Lykke, Press Officer of Volleyball Denmark.
“We are happy to include asylum seekers living in Denmark and give them some new and exciting experiences as they get familiar with Danish culture and sport. Volleyball and sport in general is a perfect way to build relations and friendships going beyond borders and different cultures,” he says.
The Asylum Center Sønderborg also appreciate that their residents can help out in the organisation and delivery of the qualification matches.
“We are glad to contribute to this big international sport event taking place in Sønderborg which is a great opportunity for our residents to meet the local people and know the activities of the Danish Federation,” says Gitte Thørring, leader of Sønderborg Asylum Centre.
Volleyball Denmark have invited 150 residents of the Asylum Centre to attend the European Championship qualification matches throughout the weekend.
On a weekly basis, Volleyball Denmark work together with the Danish Red Cross on another project where expelled asylum seekers get to play Volleyball once a week while their cases are being processed.