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FIRST TO ARRIVE, LAST TO LEAVE: THE VOLUNTEERS BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF THE FASU AFROVARSITY 3X3 CHALLENGE

As the final whistle sounded and the celebrations of the newly crowned champions echoed around the court, another group quietly gathered to reflect on a different kind of victory.

They did not score points. They did not make game-winning shots. Yet their impact on the FASU AfroVarsity 3×3 Basketball Challenge was impossible to miss. For two days, student volunteers formed the backbone of the tournament, helping to keep every aspect of the event running smoothly. From event operations and media coverage to athlete support and problem-solving, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes while gaining valuable experience that could shape their futures in sports administration, management, and business.

For many, the tournament was far more than a volunteer assignment. It was a classroom without walls, a leadership incubator, and a glimpse into what is possible when young Africans choose to serve and grow within the sports industry.

For Raji Hafiz Ajibola, a returning volunteer and student sports leader from Adekunle Ajasin University, every photograph captured during the tournament told a unique story. As a member of the Media and Communications team, he was responsible for preserving the moments that would outlive the competition itself while navigating the demands of documenting a fast-paced sporting event.

Having volunteered at several competitions before, Raji understood that challenges were inevitable. The key, he explained, was learning how to remain composed when multiple demands arise simultaneously.

“You attend to them one after the other, especially using a priority scale,” he said. To him, the value of volunteers cannot be overstated. “Without volunteers, there are things that won't come out very well. Events become easier and faster because of volunteers.” The highly visible contributions of volunteers throughout the tournament reinforced the truth of his statement.

The 3×3 Basketball Challenge also provided an opportunity for many individuals to experience volunteering for the first time.

When Odetunde Kofoworola arrived at the tournament, she came seeking experience. A master's student in Sports Business and Marketing at the University of Ibadan, she served as part of the courtside operations team. What she discovered was far more than she expected.

“It has been educational and it has been fun at the same time,” she reflected. Her role involved ensuring activities around the court ran smoothly while providing support to players and officials. Along the way, she developed practical skills in communication, teamwork, and event execution—lessons no classroom could fully replicate. For someone hoping to build a career in sports business, the tournament offered an invaluable opportunity to experience the industry firsthand.

Equally significant was what she observed in sports leadership. Seeing women occupy leadership positions within the volunteer structure inspired her own ambitions. “I really want this for myself,” she admitted.

Asked what she would say to young people considering volunteering, her response was immediate.

“Just do it. You have nothing to lose. By volunteering, you'll gain experience, knowledge, and growth.” Few people embodied the long-term impact of volunteering better than Kolawole Esther, who today serves as a FISU Student Ambassador representing Nigeria. Before the title and responsibilities came years of showing up, serving, and learning. She strongly believes that volunteers are among the most indispensable elements of any successful sporting event.

“There is no game without volunteers,” she said, echoing a phrase she first encountered during previous FISU events.

At the 3×3 Challenge, Esther worked within the Secretariat—one of the busiest units of the tournament. The department oversaw accreditation, technical meetings, documentation, minute-taking, and much of the administrative work that kept the event functioning efficiently. Like any major sporting event, volunteering came with its own challenges.

Reflecting on his experience, Asaye Oluwasegun David shared insights from his role in courtside operations and technical support. His responsibilities ranged from assisting referees and officials to verifying scores and supporting athlete welfare. “The workdays were long, sometimes stretching from early morning until late at night. It is a lot,” he admitted.

Yet despite the demanding nature of the role, David believes many people misunderstand what volunteering truly represents. Too often, he argued, attention is focused on the fact that volunteers are not paid. What is frequently overlooked are the experiences gained, the relationships built, and the opportunities that emerge from service. For him, it was an exposure that money could hardly buy. Throughout the tournament, he interacted with international officials, coaches, and sports administrators from different countries. Those conversations alone, he believes, made the experience worthwhile.

At the same time, he acknowledged areas for improvement. More streamlined planning structures and efficient operational systems, he suggested, would further enhance future events for both athletes and volunteers. The spirit of volunteering is rooted in service, and few demonstrated that better than Gloria Akinyemi. Throughout the tournament, Gloria wore multiple hats, contributing to accommodation, hospitality, courtside operations, and even serving as an interpreter when needed. Her days were filled with activity, but what stood out most was the joy she found in serving others.

“If you see me volunteering, you would think they are paying me,” she joked. One of her favourite memories came from something many people might consider ordinary—handing athletes water before and after games. For Gloria, those moments mattered. They provided opportunities to encourage players, exchange smiles, and contribute positively to their overall tournament experience.

Across two intense days of competition, volunteers arrived ready to serve. They left with something equally valuable in return: new skills, new friendships, fresh perspectives, and in some cases, a clearer vision of their future careers. Some discovered opportunities in sports administration. Others strengthened ambitions they already held. Almost all departed with experiences that will remain with them long after the final game was played.

The 8th FASU AfroVarsity 3×3 Basketball Challenge showcased some of the best university basketball talent from across Africa. Yet beyond the action on the court, it highlighted an equally important truth: behind every successful sporting event stands an army of dedicated volunteers whose contributions are invaluable.

They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. They ensure the show goes on. And in doing so, they are developing into the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of African university sport.

Written by Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi