A lifelong dream comes full circle
By Jodi Scott
For many soccer fans, attending a FIFA World Cup match is a dream. For AAHOA Lifetime Member Raman (RP) Rama, serving as a volunteer at the FIFA World Cup in Miami represented something even more meaningful – the fulfillment of a lifelong passion that began decades ago on the soccer fields of India.
Long before he became a respected hotel owner, entrepreneur, and industry leader, Rama was a goalkeeper. He played for his university, the State Bank of India team, and the District of Baroda – now Vadodara – competing at a high level while nurturing dreams of one day being part of the world’s biggest sporting event.
His passion for soccer didn’t end when his playing days were over. Both of his sons played the sport, and today the family’s connection to the game continues through his 10-year-old grandson, Pranav Rama, who plays for Sol Sports Club (SOL SC), a premier youth soccer organization in Central Florida.
“Like many young players, I dreamed of reaching the World Cup,” Rama said. “While I wasn’t able to play at that level, being selected to serve as a volunteer allowed me to give back to a sport that has been a part of my life for so many years.”
Rama received his official FIFA volunteer credentials and uniform and served as a Host City Ambassador during the tournament in Miami. In this role, he helped answer questions, guided visitors, directed crowds, and assisted with transportation logistics as needed. Volunteer assignments varied based on crowd flow and operational needs throughout the event.
“My working as a volunteer made me a better person, developing respect for different cultures from different parts of the world who were working with me as volunteers,” Rama said of the experience. “We were a diverse team with one common goal, to welcome spectators from all over the world that came to see the World Cup Soccer games in Miami.”
His journey serves as a reminder that AAHOA Members bring diverse experiences, talents, and passions to the hospitality industry. Beyond hotel ownership, many members are involved in technology ventures, startup investments, sports organizations, and community service initiatives worldwide.
Rama, who also serves as co-owner of the NCL USA Atlanta Kings Cricket Club, believes those experiences have helped shape his business philosophy.
“Having all your eggs in one basket is not prudent,” he said. “COVID taught many of us the importance of diversification and pursuing opportunities beyond our core businesses.”
As the world gathered to celebrate soccer’s biggest stage, Rama was proud to play a small role in an event that inspired him as a young athlete.
Sometimes dreams don’t come true exactly as we imagine them. Sometimes they come full circle in ways we never expected.
Congratulations to Rama on this unique opportunity to give back to the sport he loves as he represented the spirit of service that defines so many AAHOA Members.
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