He’s studying on another continent miles away from home. In a country were winter means ‘real’ winter and double-digit subzero temperatures are a sure thing. But after three years in Ekaterinburg he got used to it and kind of likes it. Meet Cheikhou Oumar Sow, a journalism student from Senegal with a passion for languages who currently developed another passion: volunteering at international sport events.
Cheikhou Oumar Sow combining his passion for languages and volunteering at the Ekaterinburg Grand Slam

“There is a governmental student exchange program between Senegal and Russia. That’s how I landed here in Ekaterinburg,” explains Cheikhou Oumar Sow.

“I’m a studying the Russian language and communications at the Ural State University here in Ekaterinburg. And the volunteering service contacted my faculty at the university to recruit language students to help out at this Grand Slam,” Cheikhou says.

“As I speak fluently French, they proposed me to be an attaché for the French delegation, to help them out here. For me this is great opportunity doing this kind of volunteering work. It’s a great experience for my future employment.”

For Cheikhou it’s the second time around working at the Grand Slam in Ekaterinburg. “I was also involved in the same capacity at the previous edition. It was a great experience. I didn’t have to hesitate when they asked me back this year. I work mainly with the French participants as French is my native language. But I also help out other English-speaking delegations, since I also speak English.”

The volunteer from Senegal developed a fondness for his involvement as an attaché at big sporting events. “Volunteering at sport events has become a real passion for me,” he says. “I’ve been involved in several major events now. For example, I also volunteered during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but also the Karate Worlds. Sporting events always have a great atmosphere. I will continue volunteering it’s great fun,” Cheikhou ends.

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