The volunteers of the day were chosen again in the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. Today six new volunteers were rewarded.

Lotta Ketola from the volunteer lounge, Niko Nyholm and Matias Rantala from IT support, Eija Lehmusalo and Otto Numminen from accreditation and Mai Kulmala from info and volunteer lounge. 

Lotta Ketola is one of those who works in volunteer lounge in Tampere. It’s a place for volunteers to rest and eat. “We give meal tickets and volunteer clothing for volunteers and answer questions when needed. We have a good workgroup. Everything has gone well,” Lotta says.

About 10 people work with Lotta. Shifts are shared between the volunteers. Around 700 volunteers work in Tampere in general.

This is Lotta’s first time as a volunteer. She is from Tampere and interested in hockey so championships in her own hometown got her excited about becoming a volunteer.

“Meeting other volunteers from different work fields and hearing about their work is one of the best parts,” Lotta says.

Niko is part of the IT support group that keeps different devices going. Niko is a dedicated and hardworking volunteer who seeks for solutions. In his team there is a big variety of people with different experience and Niko brings in his own input.  

“I came across a website that searched for volunteers. There were IT tasks suitable for me, so I decided to apply for the job!” Niko says. Niko thinks that the best part about being a volunteer is the relaxed and good atmosphere and diverse work tasks.  

Matias Rantala has been working for the IT group for couple of weeks now. “I have been previously a volunteer in web gaming events, but this is first time working for ice hockey,” Matias says. Matias follows ice hockey actively and joined celebrations when Tappara won the Finnish championship at Nokia Arena recently.

Becoming volunteer was an easy decision for Matias. “This was one-of-a-kind opportunity. The Ice Hockey World Championship in Tampere. I think this is an amazing experience,” Matias says. His tasks are natural for Matias from his education and previous experience. Matias thinks that the best part about being a volunteer is that he gets to combine many of his own interests. 

Working in customer service, Eija enjoys her job. She thinks that meeting new people and the atmosphere in the accreditation centre are best part about it.

“I like working as a volunteer very much. I have been a volunteer previously in floorball and now I’m here. I have a week left and then I go home,” says Eija.

Even though there is a lot of work to do Eija hasn’t faced bigger problems along the way. Eija says that everything has been good in her team.

“I want to say big thank you to accreditation and to the whole community. All the volunteers are so amazing. Everybody is here because they want to. It makes this experience so amazing,” Eija says.

Otto Numminen studies to become a PE teacher in Varala. He was offered to do an internship as a volunteer as part of his studies.

Otto thinks that the best part about accreditation is customer service. He enjoys working with people and finding solutions to problems. Meeting new people is also fun.

“Let’s work together for the whole competition. Together we are strong. Remember to keep the spirits up and do your part,” Otto encourages other volunteers.  

Mai Kulmala works as a volunteer at the info and volunteer lounge.

Mai’s path as a volunteer started last year in the floorball championships. When she heard that she could become a volunteer in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship she decided to apply right away. “This has been a very big dream for me. When I watched the World Championship in 2012 and 2013, I knew I had to experience that someday as well. You can’t just watch it all from TV, you must be there,” Mai says.  

“We are the best group ever and let’s make these the best championships ever!” Mai sends her wishes for other volunteers.  
 
Congratulations for the volunteers from deserved recognition!