The success of the Cambodia Cellcard 2009 WOVD Volleyball World Cup must be credited in no small degree to the outstanding dedication of the 200+ young Cambodian volunteers from Cellcard and Digital Divide Data who staffed the event.

Volunteerism is still in its infancy in local corporate and social culture and the young staff from Cellcard and DDD are pioneering the new face of Cambodia by Standing Up in support of showcasing Cambodia to the athletes with a disability of the world

All were exceptionally proud to be a part of the event and many became famous overnight with their daily appearances on live-to-air CTN broadcasts as court moppers, ball monitors, assistant scorers, commentators, water monitors and event assistants. Some had had experience with the Cellcard Cambodian National Volleyball League but most had never helped with any public event before and the Cambodia Cellcard 2009 WOVD Volleyball World Cup was the largest international sports event hosted in Phnom Penh in the last 40 years. Often working long hours without breaks either before or after their shifts, not once did any of the volunteers complain. Their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, professionalism and positive attitude under great pressure throughout the tournament brought them the respect, praise and congratulations from the international teams, WOVD and local organising committee alike.

Special mention and gratitude must go to the respective Volunteer Coordinators who did a fantastic job of organising their staff in cooperation with the CNVLD. Mr Socheat and Mr Pheakadey from DDD and Mr Kuch Sophal from Cellcard demonstrated beyond doubt that a new generation of young professionals are actively contributing to Cambodia becoming recognised as the ASEAN Centre for Disability Sport and its ability to host international standard events. They are the new face of Cambodia.

The CNVLD also thanks, Mr Thearen, Mr Oro and Mr Danith from DDD who staffed the Cambodia Cellcard 2009 WOVD Volleyball World Cup Hotel Cambodiana for the duration of the event. Thanks to their work, information, transportation, packed lunches and special requirements were all handled with consummate professionalism. Thanks must also go to DDD for loaning the computer equipment required for the office.

Cellcard and DDD also deserve equal recognition for allowing large proportions of their workforce the time off to volunteer. Many staff worked double shifts and targets were shifted to account for the impact of the event and the CNVLD salutes their enthusiasm and groundbreaking corporate social responsibility in Standing Up in support of the Cambodia Cellcard 2009 WOVD Volleyball World Cup.

The CNVLD and the Volunteers of Cellcard and DDD: Standing Up Together to Showcase Cambodia’s Ability to Host International Standard Sports Events.