11 September 2008

Student from Sports Management Class became Volunteers at Rugby Match

By Emu Izaki and Shirley Ghozalli

The Manawatu Turbos team playing the North Harbour team in the FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

The volunteer students discussing arrangements with a staff member just before half time

The "Air New Zealand Cup" is a rugby competition in which 14 teams from all regions around New Zealand compete. The "Manawatu Turbos", the local the Manawatu region's representative team, made up from the best local players, is one of the participating teams. On 30th August, a large crowd of fans attended the match between the North Harbour team (from the north Auckland region) and the Manawatu Turbos team at the FMG Stadium, Palmerston North, and seven IPC students from the Sports Management class worked as volunteers.

The students worked with the management staff, helping them to check the spectators' tickets, puttting up the tents, managing the parking area, and doing security duties. They also helped teach the children's rugby class and prepared the tug of war tournament, which took place in the half time break.

"Supported by the very experienced staff, I learned so much about how to interact with the VIP guests," commented one of the volunteers, Kazuki Otani (a 2006 student), who was involved with assisting the VIP guests with their requirements.

Another volunteer, Naoki Itatoko (a 2006 student), who was in charge of directing the traffic in the parking area and distributing the cakes and goods to the children, said "Although I've been to a pre-season match, this is the first time I have seen so many people so enthusiastic. I'm so happy to be able to offer my help for a match as big as this."

For the Sports Management students, who are studying planning and management of sports events, being able to be involved in the management process of a big event was a very valuable experience. They are also going to be volunteers at the next match on 5th September.

The volunteer students distributing the cakes and goods to the children

Other non-volunteer IPC students also came to support the Manawatu Turbos

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