Athletic Supporters in Gwangju
Written By: Jannies Le & Photo By: Rachel Arbing
One
thing most people might find that they took for granted back in their home country
is the ability to volunteer easily. There are endless opportunities available
for varies different causes that reach out to many groups of people. As long as
you had the time, good can be done! In Korea, especially Gwangju, it could be
extremely difficult because of the language barrier and lack of information.
Luckily there are a few awesome people in Gwangju who have helped establish a
steady flow of charity events. These include long-term residents, new comers
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, during
the past few months. Either from the founder himself, Shay Meinecke, or by
attending their 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
hold 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 most organizations from most non-for profit is that their
events are constantly changing and offering different activities. AS’ events benefits their participants
and you don’t only give but you also get. You get to challenge yourself through
the 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, as many of you may be able to attest from chance meetings downtown.
His
idea has been growing over the last couple years. It started out as a way to
just get people together to help others. It 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 was an overwhelming amount of donations, and people also had
a great time with a sweet bake sale. It is worth mentioning that they had an
amazing response of volunteers, donators, and players from in and around town.
One of the best things about Gwangju is the tightknit expat community. There
have been countless stories of people needing help and receiving it from others
they hardly know. This city is perfect for Athletic
Supporters to thrive in. 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. But, 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 Tequilas, German Bar 2, Kinos and
Mdream Confectionary has all graciously provided their assistance through
venue, cupcakes, gift certificates and even pulled pork sandwiches. Shay wants
to thank everyone for their involvement, and he looks forward to working
together again in the near future!
In
the last event, there was 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 want to continue getting the
Gwangju community involved. They are organizing a 10k run in Suwan on January
13th, 2013. You can check out the event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/302266553217890!
There is also a volleyball tournament in February 2013 and a soccer (football)
tourney in the near future 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. They also have a Twitter account:
@AthlticSupprtrs for up to date information on current events.
