The 19,000-plus volunteers due to contribute to the running of the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei have been continuing their preparations ©FISU

The 19,000-plus volunteers due to contribute to the running of the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei have been continuing their preparations for what is considered the world’s biggest multi-sport event of the year. 

Scheduled to take place from August 19 to 30, the Games are set to become the biggest sporting event that Chinese Taipei has ever hosted.

Last month, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) staged its inaugural Volunteer Leaders Academy in Russian city Kazan, where 110 students from 91 different countries attended seminars and workshops delivered by industry leaders on a range of subjects, including anti-doping, volunteer management and effective communications.

Timothy King-Derry was a participant in the Academy and will now play a key role in the management of this year’s Summer Universiade, assisting in a data capture project as a FISU intern.

As a sports management student at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, King-Derry hopes to practically apply some of the skills he has been taught.

"When I was selected to represent my country a couple months ago to attend the Volunteer Leaders Academy, I would have never thought that I would be packing my bags to work alongside FISU in Taiwan, helping to deliver the Summer Universiade," King-Derry said.

"I am really excited to be a part of this team, and I think the experience will be good for my professional career development too, particularly my communication, leadership, and time management skills."

Timothy King-Derry received his internship at the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy in Kazan last month ©FISU
Timothy King-Derry received his internship at the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy in Kazan last month ©FISU

The Taipei 2017 Organising Committee has also recruited local volunteers to help athletes and spectators as soon as they arrive in the host city. 

Jocelyn Lo, who is studying law at the National Chengchi University in Taipei, will be part of the team greeting visitors.

"I am at the forefront of the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade, because I may be the first person that athletes and others see after they arrive," she said.

"I am looking forward to taking part as a volunteer, to learn from other students, improve my English and help to solve any problems that might arise."