With a combined 24 years of experience in sports event management, Ursula Veloso and Silvina Silberberg have built distinct and respected careers, contributing to some of the world’s most prestigious events.

Ursula has played key roles in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, specialising in sports operations, competition scheduling, and results management. Her expertise has also been pivotal at events such as the Pan American Games, Universiade, and Libertadores Finals, where she worked closely with the IOC, OBS, and various Organising Committees.

Silvina, meanwhile, has carved her niche in accreditations, sport entries, and event management systems, leading operations for major events including the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games and the ANOC World Beach Games. She has supported clients such as Wiz-Team, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and Local Organising Committees (LOCs), providing tailored system support and operational services.

Now part of the IGNITX team, both Ursula and Silvina are currently onsite in Andorra, deeply involved in the final preparations for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe 2025.

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of catching up with them for a dual interview — a thoughtful and inspiring conversation that shed light on their journeys, lessons learned, and passion for delivering exceptional sporting events.

Iman: Ursula, you’ve worked on five Olympic Games — what first inspired you to pursue a career in sports event management?

Ursula : I started at the Rio 2007 Pan American and Parapan American Games. Back then, I was doing research in sports physiology and working in gyms. I’d always loved watching sport, but that was my first experience on the organising side. I was fascinated by the scale, complexity, and collaboration required to make it all happen. Seeing how everything came together to create a memorable experience was incredible. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of this world.

Iman: Silvina, what drew you into event organisation?

Silvina : It actually happened by chance. I’d just moved back to Argentina after living abroad and was job-hunting. A friend offered me a role in his event company — I didn’t know much about the field, but I took the opportunity and never looked back.

Iman: And your first major sporting event was Buenos Aires 2018, right in your hometown. What was that transition like?

Silvina: I thought it would be easy, given my event background and love for sport, but the Youth Olympic Games were a whole different world. The structure was complex, with specific terminology and interconnected functional areas. I started in Planning and Coordination, then moved into Accreditation and Sport Entries, which gave me a deeper technical foundation.

Iman: Ursula, having worked on events from Rio to Paris, how have you seen sports operations evolve?

Ursula: A lot has changed. At Rio 2016, we still had photocopiers distributing results — by Paris 2024, everything was digital and streamlined. We’re also seeing hybrid delivery models now. Remote planning is more common, and it’s improving knowledge transfer. But even with flexibility, strong central coordination is still key. Also, consultants today are expected to be embedded in delivery — bringing not just advice, but systems, tools, and operational support.

Iman: Silvina, you've worked with a wide range of clients — from NOCs to hospitality companies. How do you adapt your approach to each?

Silvina: Communication is key. I take the time to understand what each client really needs — every organisation is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all. You have to be flexible and build trust by showing you're there to support their unique goals.

Iman: Let’s talk about motivation. After so many high-pressure events, how do you stay inspired?

Ursula: No two Games are ever the same. Each edition brings its own context and challenges, which keeps it dynamic and intellectually stimulating. Working with different teams and cultures pushes me to constantly adapt and evolve. That sense of purpose is what drives me.

Silvina: I honestly don’t need to work at it — I love what I do. The variety, the fast pace, and the satisfaction of seeing everything come together keeps me going. When you genuinely enjoy your work, motivation comes naturally.

Iman: Can you each share a memorable challenge and how you overcame it?

Ursula: Rio 2007 was my first event, and I was new to the scale and intensity. The fast pace and constant problem-solving were overwhelming at times. But the team I worked with made all the difference. Their support and willingness to share knowledge helped me through it.

Silvina: Buenos Aires 2018 was a turning point for me. I was still learning, yet leading a team, which was intimidating. But I had a great mentor — Li Neo Tay — who was incredibly supportive. The team’s passion and collaboration helped us overcome every obstacle together.

Iman: Ursula, how does working on a more intimate event like Andorra 2025 compare to the Olympics?

Ursula: With smaller events, there’s room to simplify and tailor systems to what’s truly needed. It’s less about rigid processes and more about what works best for the team. But my Olympic experience helps me bring structure and foresight — even if we scale it down to stay practical and agile.

Iman: Silvina, how has it been working with IGNITX and the Wiz-Team system?

Silvina: It’s always great working with IGNITX — we share the same values, and there’s a strong spirit of collaboration. Event-Works is a flexible, user-friendly system that’s adapted well across all our projects. It helps us respond to each event’s unique needs.

Iman: Finally, what excites you both about being part of Andorra 2025 and this new chapter?

Ursula: I’m really enjoying the collaboration with the Local Organising Committee. Their energy and commitment are infectious. I also enjoy the chance to work across different areas — it’s a fresh challenge and keeps me sharp.

Silvina: It’s exciting to be part of a team that’s both hardworking and fun. The positive atmosphere, combined with everyone’s dedication, makes the whole experience really fulfilling. It feels like we’re building something special together.

As I wrapped up my conversation with Ursula and Silvina, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I took away from our chat — not just about sports event management, but about work, purpose, and staying grounded. They’ve each built remarkable careers through consistency, adaptability, and a genuine love for what they do — and yet they carry it all with such humility.

Speaking with them reminded me that true impact doesn’t always come from being front and centre. It comes from showing up, working with integrity, and lifting others along the way. I walked away feeling not only inspired, but also reassured that quiet, steady leadership can be just as powerful as anything loud or flashy. I’m truly grateful for the chance to learn from them.

— Interview by Raja Normaisara Iman
Communications and Administration Coordinator, IGNITX