Volunteer Profile: Ivan Lopez | 13.09.2012
 |
| Iven Lopez. |
Fifteen years ago, Ivan was himself a keen amateur athlete. Now a successful Civil Engineer, he has continued a love affair with the sport by devoting much of his free time to helping out at major events in Spain.
He first volunteered at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in his home town Valencia in 2008, before helping out at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona, 2010.
In Barcelona, Ivan worked in the Media operations. Not only did this role mean he got to spend all day in the Olympic Stadium, it also meant he could watch much of the championships and meet many interesting people and share experiences.
Ivan counts the 2012 European Champion in the high jump Ruth Beitia as a true friend and he cherishes being able to see her compete close up.
This year Ivan volunteered at the IAAF World Junior Athletics Championships, which was also in Barcelona.
For his efforts on behalf of the sport, Ivan has earned the European Athletics-UNESCO Bronze Certificate. We asked Ivan a few questions about his continuing love affair with athletics.
What are you up to these days?
I work as the head of group of workers in a construction company. I'm a Civil Engineer and now I am building a 74 home building in Valencia.
How did you get started volunteering in athletics?
I got into volunteering in the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Valencia in 2008. Fifteen years ago I was amateur athlete. I like athletics very much and also I have a lot of friends within athletics, some of them professional athletes.
Tell us about the 20th European Athletics Championships in Barcelona, what was your role?
In Barcelona I worked within the Media Area. I spent all day in the Olympic Stadium and my role was to monitor and coordinate the other volunteers within Mix Zone.
What is the most important thing you gained from your experience at the event?
I enjoyed watching the championship and I met a lot of marvellous people.
Who is your favourite athlete? Why?
My favourite athlete is Ruth Beitia, the high jumper. She is a very great person, athlete and friend. She is very competitive and, although she has been many years in European elite athletics and won many medals in several championships, she is a very modest person.
