Giving Back Through Sport: Paola’s Volunteering Journey

We build pathways in sport, not just for athletes, but for all people to access and participate in sport in the ways that matter to them whether that be as a coach, volunteer or supporter. 

We’re grateful every day for the people who give their time, energy and heart to their communities through sport. 

Volunteers sit at the heart of sport in Australia, with 2.9 million Australians volunteering in sport each year (Australian Sports Commission, 2021). But behind every number is a person, a story, and a reason they choose to show up. 

We know volunteers are more than helping hands — they help create belonging, connection and opportunities that change lives through sport. 

We chatted with Paola Lopez, one of the many incredible volunteers who contributes to our mission, to hear more about her journey, her experience, and why volunteering in sport matters to her. 

Q: You volunteered with Sport Inclusion Australia at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships, what drew you to the event? 

A: Just knowing I’d get to see elite athletes from all over the world compete excited me. 

But what really drew me in was that this was a World Athletics Championships dedicated to elite athletes with an intellectual impairment.  

That meant I wouldn’t just see amazing performances. I would witness inclusion at the highest level.  

Seeing the best in the world representing their country, with so much heart and talent – that’s something you don’t want to miss. 

Q: What was the experience like? 

A: I absolutely loved it.  

It was a unique experience of such a big magnitude. Being able to live it up close, and be involved before, during, and after the event, it was incredible.  

It was my first time volunteering in inclusion sport, and I knew it would be special. But what really stayed with me was the passion and energy of the athletes, the way all the teams supported each other, the love from families and friends, and the amazing team of people working behind the scenes to make it all happen. 

I learned that every single role matters. When you add all those roles together, you create something unforgettable, especially for the athletes.  

I also learned that inclusion isn’t just a nice idea. I saw it in action: in every hug, every medal ceremony, every cheer from the stands. Personally, this experience motivated me even more to keep volunteering at similar events and keep learning. 

Q: How long have you been volunteering for? 

A: My volunteering journey started in 2017 when I found a Facebook post asking for volunteers at the UniSport Nationals. That opened the door to a whole new world; one that I fell in love with, especially in sport. 

I’ve been part of Event Crew, Operations Crew, and Sport Crew with UniSport at the Nationals and Athletics.  

I’ve also been a Hole Marshal at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, worked in Patron Services at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament, been on the Competition Operations and Youth Program Team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and of course, I was on the Medals and Ceremonies Team for the Virtus World Athletics Championships 2025. 

Q: Paola, what role has sport played in your life? 

A: The first sport I tried was Karate, but only for a few months.  

Then, when I was seven, I started swimming and I fell in love with it. It became a huge part of my life. I progressed to high-performance training, and swimming gave me so much: travel, medals, trophies, recognition, and most importantly, friendships that I still have today. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my childhood. 

I enjoy being part of sport because it brings people together, no matter where you’re from, what your background is, or what your abilities are.  

Sport taught me discipline, resilience, and joy. When I’m at a sporting event as a volunteer, I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. I see how individual effort turns into collective magic.  

Sport has given me purpose, friends, and the chance to help others live their dreams. That’s priceless. 

Q: What do you personally get out of volunteering? 

A: My circle of friends has grown so much! I learn something new at every event, not just about sport, but from my fellow volunteers.  

Everyone I’ve met through volunteering is incredible. Their energy, their passion, their willingness to help, some are first-timers, others have been doing it for years. It’s such a beautiful community. 

Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering for the first time? 

A: Just go for it!  

Don’t be nervous. You don’t need experience, just a willingness to help and a smile. The first step might feel a little scary, but I promise you, by the end of your first day, you’ll be so glad you did it.  

You’ll meet amazing people, learn things you never knew existed, and feel like you truly belong to something special. Sport volunteering changed my life. It could change yours too.  

Behind every sporting event, program and opportunity are people who choose to give their time, skills, passion and energy to others. 

To Paola, and to every volunteer who has supported sport and contributed to our mission at Sport Inclusion Australia — thank you. 

We see the care, generosity and passion behind what you do. Your contribution helps create more inclusive communities through sport, and your stories are an important part of that impact.