An interview I recently did with Shay Meinecke about Athletic Supporters

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 13^th, 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. 

The organizers, volunteers, players and spectators shouting “Athletic Supporters for Mdream”, at the    basketball event!