The FIFA World Cup in Toronto has brought joy to millions of fans, but for one volunteer, the experience has been truly life-changing. Alessia Commisso, a 23-year-old event management student at Humber College, was over the moon to be chosen for a volunteer spot at the tournament.
With a whopping 387,000 applications for just 5,000 volunteer spots, Commisso was thrilled to have been selected for a position in hospitality at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field). Her excitement grew even more when she was awarded one of FIFA's Unsung Heroes Awards, along with tickets to last Tuesday's Croatia-Panama game.
As a volunteer who uses a wheelchair and is blind due to a mitochondrial disease, Commisso's experience was a testament to the inclusive nature of the tournament. She was accompanied by her mother Sonia, who has been by her side throughout the journey.
During the Croatia-Panama game, Commisso and Sonia had the opportunity to meet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who sat with them in the VVIP lounge during the second half of the match. Commisso described the experience as "beyond words," feeling a sense of connection and compassion from the FIFA President.
From their volunteer perch in hospitality outside the stadium at Gate 2, the mother-daughter duo has been treated with kindness and respect by the FIFA staff. Commisso feels valued and included, with the staff acknowledging her as an equal. "I know they're speaking to me," she said, "they don't just speak to my mother."
Sonia echoed her daughter's sentiments, expressing her pride and gratitude for the experience. "It's beautiful to see Alessia being treated like everyone else," she said. "She's standing out but blending in." The FIFA World Cup has indeed been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Commisso, and she'll always cherish the memories made during this special event.
