International Swampsoccer Tournament in Iceland

  Iceland

Reykjavik

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 23 - August 6

Description: What is swamp soccer? The first swamp soccer event was held in late summer 2004 by amateur players in Isafjoreur. After the great success and good media coverage, it was decided to hold a bigger tournament in 2005. The event in 2005 was a hit and in November 2005 the Icelandic Swamp soccer Association was founded. The Swamp soccer in Isafjordur is a non-profit organization that is organized by a group of local people willing to donate their hard work to develop an international event in the town of Isafjordur. All entry fees and money from sponsors is used to make the event bigger and better. Nobody of the organizers receives any money for their contribution!

There will be two kind of tasks for the volunteers in this project. The participants will take down old fences, which is very much needed in this area and than they will help with the preparation and execution of the international Swamp soccer tournament which will take place in the beginning of August. If the volunteers want to participate in the tournament, than they can do so.

Leisure time: Excursions and free time activities will be arranged for the volunteers. The group will have free access to the local swimming pool.

There is an extra fee of 120 Euro for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: Isafjordur is the principal town of the Westfjords peninsula, in the North-West corner of Iceland. The town itself has some 3.000 inhabitants, but the larger Isafjordur municipality, which also includes the villages Hnifsdalur, Sudureyri, Flateyri and Thingeyri, has around 4.000 inhabitants. The community stretches over 2400 square kilometres, from the beautiful waterfall Dynjandi in the south, to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the north, where, amongst other things, one can find the famous cliff Hornbjarg which is one of the largest colonies for seabirds in the North Atlantic.

The town of Isafjordur stands on a narrow spit in the fjord Skutulsfjordur, which meets the waters of the larger fjord Isafjardardjup. The town is surrounded by mountains that offer endless opportunities to enjoy nature and wilderness during all seasons of the year. Despite its small population, the town has a rather urban, or one could say international, atmosphere. It is known throughout the country for its rich cultural life, with music and visual arts having long tradition and firm roots in the town's history. Being the "capital" of the Westfjords peninsula, Isafjordur is the centre for services and administration in the area.

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.