There was a real buzz in the air as the city's army of Eurovision Song Contest volunteers (EuroVols) began training for the event.
The 500 successful applicants gathered to undertake their first round of training ahead of hitting the streets next month. Volunteers will be located around the city centre and at key transport hubs, placed along the route visitors will take from Lime Street to the Pier Head, including Liverpool One.
Mathilde Bellec, the volunteer programme manager, said: “There was a real buzz in the air at the training as it was the first time our volunteers had a chance to meet each other and share stories about why they were volunteering and what they hope to get out of it. The enthusiasm they displayed was heart-warming and made all the work behind the scenes worth it.
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“The volunteering programme gives people the chance to be at the heart of this iconic event, contributing to making history in Liverpool and representing the city’s long culture of welcoming the world with open arms.
“Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new people, gain skills and make great memories. It is a rewarding experience to feel part of a team and to have contributed to an event that will be talked about for decades.
“We have put together a diverse and inclusive volunteering team, with a blend of local volunteers and volunteers with knowledge of the Ukrainian language and culture.”
Kateryna Miasoid, a 24-year-old teaching graduate from Ukraine who is currently living in Liverpool, said: “I volunteered because I wanted to support the city that accepted the responsibility of hosting Eurovision on behalf of my country. Leaving Ukraine was really frightening but the people of Liverpool have been so friendly and welcoming, I wanted to give something back.
“Liverpool is the perfect city to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine because everybody is so open-minded and they genuinely want to learn about my country.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to volunteer. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a great source of learning with the power to not only help others but also myself. I am looking forward to making some great memories.”
The volunteers, chosen by Liverpool City Council, will receive their uniforms, which have been designed by LiverPrint in partnership with Ukrainian graphic designer Olena Danylchenko, at the end of the month.
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