A story beyond the Score Board
Volunteering at the Korea Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Match in Jamsil
On a humid June afternoon in Seoul, I stepped into the Jamsil Indoor Stadium not just as a spectator but as a volunteer. The occasion was the men’s wheelchair basketball matches—a dynamic, fast-paced game that goes beyond athleticism and speaks to courage, teamwork, and resilience.
We had come to cheer, but we had done way more than just clapping from the sidelines.
Cheering with Purpose
Before the game began, volunteers like us were asked to sit among the spectators to keep the energy high for the athletes out there. As the players rolled onto the court, the stadium echoed with applause. Each basket brought a wave of excitement. The game was fast and aggressive, the athletes maneuvering their wheelchairs with astonishing control and strategy.
We clapped harder when we were caught up in the rhythm of the game, the speed of passes, and the unwavering determination on each athlete’s face. Every time a player fell and picked himself up again, the crowd roared—not out of sympathy, but admiration.
Behind the Final Buzzer
But the real work began after the final whistle blew.
Once the stadium began to clear, our team of volunteers gathered near the benches. The athletes, after giving their all on the court, were now heading to rest and recover. We were handed gloves, spray bottles, and cleaning cloths. Our task was to return the stadium to its original state—spotless and ready.
We started at the players’ bench, carefully wiping down the chairs, sweeping the floor underneath, and collecting used towels and water bottles. Then we moved to the broadcasting area, where cables, headsets, and monitor stands were scattered. It was a delicate space, but we made sure to clean without disturbing the equipment settings.
The locker rooms came next. The air was heavy with the scent of sweat and victory. We mopped the floor, restocked supplies, and took out trash. I remember pausing for a second, realizing how little of this behind-the-scenes work is ever seen or acknowledged, yet how essential it is.
We didn’t stop there. The referee’s station, the court’s edges, even the back of the basketball hoops, and the padded advertisement boards along the baseline were part of our mission. Some of the decals had scuff marks from wheelchairs bumping into them during intense plays—we cleaned them one by one, inch by inch.
More Than Just Cleaning
As we worked, we thought about how this wasn’t just about tidying up. It was a way of showing respect—respect for the athletes, the game, the spectators, and the spirit of sportsmanship. It felt like a quiet form of gratitude, a behind-the-scenes handshake with everyone who made the match happen.
Some volunteers shared that they’ve been doing this for years. One elder told me, “경기는 한 시간 반이면 끝나지만, 우리가 남기는 인상은 더 오래 가요.” (“The game might last just ninety minutes, but the impression we leave lasts much longer.”) That stayed with our team members.
A Community in Motion
There was also an unspoken bond among the volunteers. We were from different backgrounds—students, retirees, working professionals—but we moved like a team. We passed buckets, wiped down surfaces, shared water, and even joked while cleaning sticky spots under the benches.
By the time we were done, the court shone again. The space was quiet, but it felt full—with stories, sweat, and silent thank-yous.
Volunteering at the wheelchair basketball game reminded us that support doesn’t always mean standing in the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s in the unseen, after the game, when the fans go home, and the lights dim. That’s when respect speaks loudest—in the quiet care of cleaning, restoring, and honoring every part of the game.
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