Expectations and Evaluation of Volunteers’ Experience at the Paralympic Swimming European Championship

Abstract Sports organizations administer volunteer participation in sports events to facilitate management efficiency while fostering opportunities for learning, skill enhancement, and meaningful social contribution. This study sought to determine the influence of volunteer experience on individuals’ intention to engage in future volunteer opportunities. The study analyzed data from 159 volunteers who undertook organizational roles at the 2016 (n=74) and 2021 (n=85) IPC Swimming European Championships editions. Motivations and expectations were evaluated through a pre- and post-volunteering questionnaire. Findings indicated that participants highly valued aspects of personal development and positive experiences. The intention to volunteer again was influenced by the gap between initial expectations and post-event satisfaction regarding volunteer traditions (p=0.001). In the 2021 edition, community participation emerged as a key determinant (p<0.001). The conclusions propose a strategic approach to volunteer programs that emphasize personal skill development and targeted competencies. Moreover, they highlight the importance of positive social experiences that promote teamwork and actively encourage local community engagement.