International sports are events where the participants represent a nation rather than individual players. The best-known examples include the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.

The Olympics are a major multi-sport event, first held in Ancient Greece. It was originally a contest between the city-states of Ancient Greece, but since its inception it has been an internationally popular event featuring not only athletic events such as running and jumping, but also combat and chariot racing.

Football is an international sport, with the most popular form being association football, which originated in England. In 1872 the international game of association football was established, with a match between Scotland and England marking the first official international match. International football has since grown, and the first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930.

In Ireland, hurling is an ancient sport combining elements of rugby, field hockey and soccer. Traditionally, the game was played by men with helmeted heads. The game involves a small ball called a sliotar, which is hit with an ash wood stick called a hurley across two goal posts into a net guarded by a goalkeeper. The fastest game in the world, it is said to have a pace resembling that of a sprinter.

Volunteers are a critical element of the global sports industry. As such, they are a valuable asset to any sport organization. Research has shown that volunteers who report high levels of CDSE are more likely to be engaged in their role (Ledford et al., 2018). By prioritizing volunteer needs and recognizing their contributions, sports organizations can cultivate a loyal and dedicated volunteer base.