The World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships 2025 in Otopeni (Romania) not only crowned new rising stars in the pool but also gave recognition to those who made every competition day possible. More than 140 Romanian volunteers were honored in the main arena, acknowledging their essential role in the success of the event.

Over six days of competition, these young people and adults handled crucial tasks such as technical organization, athlete logistics and the coordination of each session, from heats to finals. Their quiet work behind the scenes was brought into the spotlight with a unique ceremony, where they paraded in the arena in their official uniforms to the applause of the crowd.

A ceremony dedicated to volunteering

The volunteers were introduced on the giant screens and accompanied by music in a presentation that symbolically placed them on the same level as the athletes. Each received a certificate and a commemorative backpack, but the true reward was the experience of being recognized in front of thousands of fans and competitors.

Such acknowledgements could serve as an example for other international competitions. Even though they are volunteers, giving them a visible tribute and a lasting memory strengthens the value of their commitment and highlights their positive impact on the success of championships.

Institutional support

The President of the Organizing Committee, Camelia Potec, Olympic champion in Athens 2004, led the tribute and underlined the fundamental role of the volunteers. “World Aquatics trusted us, and your work showed that we deserved it. We recognized you just like the athletes because you deserve it,” she said during the ceremony.

The institutional recognition confirmed the organization’s commitment to including volunteers in the official narrative of the championship, sending the message that sporting success goes far beyond the results in the water. Most of the 142 volunteers were students, joined by adults with experience in sporting events. For many, it was their first chance to be part of an international championship, offering them an inside view of the organization and atmosphere of a top-level competition.

A foundation for the future of Romanian swimming

The efforts of the volunteers went hand in hand with the strong performance of the national team, which won two medals and strengthened expectations ahead of future World Championships and Olympic Games. The combination of emerging talent in the pool and the dedication of staff outside of it left an impression of steady growth.

For the volunteers themselves, the tribute ceremony became a memory that transcended the competition: an invisible podium where their effort was valued as an essential part of the success of a world championship.