Athletics Supporters in Gwangju
One thing most people might find that they took for granted back in their home country is the ability to volunteer easily. There were endless opportunities available for various different causes that reach out to many groups of people. As long as you had the time, good could be done.
In Korea, especially Gwangju, it can be extremely difficult because of the language barrier and lack of information. Luckily, there are a number of awesome people in Gwangju who have helped establish a steady flow of charity events. These include long-term residents, newcomers and people born in Korea, all working together. There aren’t as many chances supplied here, but keen good- doers are definitely able to provide their own.
Maybe some of you have heard the buzz about an organization called Athletics Supporters in Gwangju, either from the founder himself, Shay Meinecke, or by attending its first event, a 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser benefiting Mdream Children’s Home. I recently did an interview with Shay and we talked about what his aspirations for AS are. He tells us a little about his brain child and what to look forward to.
Athletics Supporters holds sporting events to gather donations for local environmental and humanitarian organizations. Also, these events give people the chance to be involved in their communities and environment, while staying active. It is all about becoming healthier on the inside and out.
Shay says what separates AS from most non-profit organizations is that its events are constantly changing and offering different activities. AS’sevents benefit their participants, and you don’t only give but you also get. You get to challenge yourself through athletics and help the community at the same time.
Shay grew up around competitive sports which fed his passion for athleticism. He also had parents who were extremely active in their community. His family and environment has shaped him to become quite a people person with a drive to be involved.
His idea has been growing over the last couple years. It started out as a way to just get people together to help others, then expanded into helping people through fun events. From there, it developed to what it is today, sporting events for a cause. He is excited with the direction that AS is heading in.
At the fundraiser there were an overwhelming amount of donations, and people also had a great time with a sweet bake sale. There was an amazing response of volunteers, donors and players from in and around town. One of the best things about Gwangju is the tight-knit expat community. There have been countless stories of people needing help and receiving it from others they hardly know. As a community, we were able to donate 500,000 won to Mdream.
Shay wasn’t expecting Athletics Supporters to take off as quickly as it did. His original plan was to get started in California upon his return after a few years in Korea. However, the people of Gwangju have, with open arms, gone above and beyond to help make the first event a big success. Local establishments, such as Tequilaz, German Bar 2, Kinos and Mdream Confectionary all graciously provided their assistance through donations of venue, cupcakes, gift certificates and even pulled pork sandwiches. Shay is grateful to everyone for their involvement, and he looks forward to working with these establishments again in the near future.
There were a variety of positions in the last event: ticket vendors, bake sale coordinator, bakers, referees, scorekeepers, donations collector, food preparation and many others. We have some pretty skilled, giving people in Gwangju. If baking tickles your fancy you can take part in the bake sale at the events. Pre-arranged pick up is available if you can’t attend the event.
AS is busy planning a few events at the moment and wants to continue getting the Gwangju community involved. It is organizing a volleyball tournament in February 2013 and there is a soccer (football) tourney in the works. If anyone is interested in volunteering for the next event they are invited to become an Athletics Supporter. For more information about volunteering or participating in the events, go to www.athleticssupporters.com or email athleticsupporters@live.com. AS also has a Twitter account: @AthlticSupprtrs for up to date information on current events.