Michelle Daniel from AUT to Represent New Zealand in FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy

Michelle Daniel, a second-year student at AUT, is set to embark on an exciting journey as she represents University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) and New Zealand in the 2024 FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy. The FISU VLA will see Michelle join young leaders from around the world to promote volunteering and leadership in sport.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology and Human Resources, Michelle balances her academic responsibilities with a number of volunteer activities, which are as varied as they are impactful.

In 2023, Michelle served as a Team Liaison at the FISU 3x3 Oceania Qualifier event hosted by AUT, playing a crucial role in ensuring the visiting New Caledonia team's needs were met, thereby enhancing their experience in New Zealand. This role in particular, opened Michelle’s eyes to other sport volunteering opportunities locally, nationally and internationally, including the FISU VLA programme.

At AUT, Michelle is a familiar face, actively involved as a Student Ambassador. She assists new students in transitioning to university life, supports various events organised by AUTSA, and represents the student perspective as an HRNZ Student Ambassador, making her a valuable part of the university volunteer community.

Outside of sport and university life, Michelle has worked with the Ikuzo Japanese Learning Centre, teaching Japanese to a wide range of students young and old using various creative methods and she is currently a volunteer at the Cromwell Care Home & Hospital, where she provides companionship and engagement to elderly dementia patients while being trained to recognise potential dangers and respond appropriately to their needs.

Michelle’s selection to represent New Zealand at the FISU Volunteer Leaders recognises her passion for sport and volunteering. The FISU VLA, which gathers young leaders from around the world, aims to foster the development of the next generation of sports volunteers. It provides a platform for sharing ideas, learning from global peers, and developing strategies to enhance sport volunteering in their respective countries.

Expressing her excitement, Michelle states, "I'm hoping to be able to encourage more people to see the fun in sport and find ways to help the development of university sport in New Zealand."

She hopes in particular to be able to give back to the sports community at AUT, acknowledging the personal support and encouragement she has received from her university.

Michelle’s also excited about being able to combine two things she's passionate about - volunteering and sport.

"I love that I get to do the two things I love at the same time; volunteering and sport, I just love it so much as it's so much fun and holds so much of my interest!"

Michelle’s enthusiasm, positive attitude and passion for both volunteering and sport making her a perfect candidate for the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy.

The FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy itself, commences with an introductory session on the 24th of June where the FISU President will share a general FISU presentation and results of the FISU Student Ambassadors programme season 2023/24.

Following this, the main session will take place 13-14 September during which FVLA 2024 participants will be delivered a comprehensive 2-day training and will then be awarded with FISU Student Ambassadors status.

Click the links for more information on the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy and FISU Student Ambassador programmes.