Thanks to Passion Crew Olympic and Paralympic Volunteers from IOC

Dear Passion Crew,

Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm in making the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 a success. You should be proud of what you have achieved!

Athletes, spectators and guests from around the world experienced your warm welcome. They all left PyeongChang with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the Republic of Korea.

We hope that you enjoyed your experience and we would like to stay in touch with you.

The International Olympic Committee Team

THANK YOU from athletes and volunteers for Great 2018 Paralympic Winter Games!
VIDEO

Medals Ceremonies and Closing of Paralympic Games

PyeongChang, Republic of Korea
17 March, 2018

Passion Crew members applaud para-athletes during evening Medals Ceremonies and rehearse for Closing Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Paralympics. Shh, we cannot share the secrets about tonight's performances, but you may watch it LIVE

We met Yoshihiro Nitta, Japan's Gold medal skiier in Olympic Park when he showed us his medal and posed for photos. We felt in awe marching by twos into Olympic Stadium carrying the flags of Nations participating in the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Dancers surrounded the stage welcoming each flag bearer.

Japan's Yoshihiro Nitta won gold in the standing category of the
cross-country 10-kilometer classical skiing

A large "hometown" crowd gathered to celebrate the victory of Eui Hyun Sin, who won the first
Gold medal for South Korea during a Winter Paralympics. He finished the Men's sitting 7.5km in the lead position. 

One final photo with Sohoorang and Bandabi

Jake Adicoff and guide Sawyer Kesselheim earn Silver Medals for Men's 10km Classic
Cross-Country Skiing, Visually Impaired

We prepare to enter Olympic Stadium as flag bearers for dress rehearsal
of Closing Ceremony

Korean dance and drum corps awaits entry to Olympic Stadium
for dress rehearsal

Hard-working Passion Crew volunteers inside Olympic Stadium can handle any assignment!

2018 Paralympic Winter Games Closing Ceremony Approaches

On Sunday evening following final competition, the Closing Ceremonies will be held in PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. The theme is "Passion Moves Us" and athletes from different Nations will be seated stage front for best viewing. South Korean K-Pop, traditional singers and dancers will perform, as well as a dance troupe from the People's Republic of China.  

PyeongChang Olympic Stadium

Last night we practiced roles as volunteers for the Closing Ceremony. Despite -1C temp and snow, we proudly carried flags of the Nations into Olympic Stadium, watched performers refine their song and dance, and considered most efficient method of seating athletes as honored guests. 

Gangneung Olympic Park

Making new friends while in South Korea

We look forward to a special tribute to physicist Stephen Hawking, who died on 14 March. Professor Hawking long-championed disability rights. The flag of the IPC will be presented to representatives of China, host of Beijing 2022 Winter Games. 

All you need to know about when the 2018 Winter Paralympics started and will finish, when the closing ceremony is, what time it starts, when it’s on TV, the current medal count and the planned tribute to the late Stephen Hawking.

Our Passion Crew volunteer group enjoys Medals Ceremonies

Ceremonies and Event Services Volunteers head to work!

Enjoying a walk through PyeongChang City

Volunteers carry National flags into Olympic Stadium
during rehearsal

Behind the scenes of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony

A photo collage gives impressions of life behind the scenes of televised Paralympic sport...
Our small group of volunteers has been in awe of the talented performers, production staff, planners, engineers, contractors, architects, landscapers, security detail, vendors, press corps, drivers, food service, hotel managers, housekeeping, maintenance and organizers of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
There is much to do by thousands of hearts and hands before athletes and coaches arrive for competition, insuring successful Games. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service, promoting Peace through Sport!

Volunteers and athletes board buses for transport to and
from functional areas and arenas

Korean police mounted and marching perform vital security service

Snow removal is a continuous process, insuring access and safety for all

Planners chose designers and artists to make Stadium Park come alive!

And more snow removal in Olympic Stadium!

Bandabi, the Asiatic black bear and mascot of
the 2018 Paralympic Games

Sooharang, the protective white tiger and mascot for 2018 Olympic Games

Serving meals to thousands of volunteers, security detail, vendors and
paid staff is a huge undertaking!

Determining where paralympians will be seated in
Level 2, Section D - our volunteer team!

Giving others a taste of Korean culture in the Stadium Park

Carved trees honoring nature displaced to build the
Stadium and Park 

 

Team D hamming it up after Opening Ceremonies with uber talented children's dance troop

Korean soldiers with Team D

Volunteer Team D meets expert light dancers!

Team D thanks wheelchair dancers for a splendid performance

Team D and performers in cast waiting area beneath the Stadium

Preparing for PyeongChang - A volunteer's journey

Only 79 days remain before the start of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games!  Excitement builds among host country and international volunteers in support of the Olympic Organizing Committee and People of Korea.

Suzy.bloghaunt.com

Becoming a volunteer for an international sporting event requires patience and much persistence. Steps are many, including researching volunteer opportunities and requirements, submitting an online application nearly one year before the event, and review of credentials by Games Organizing Committee. If all steps are passed, the volunteer is invited to complete timed written and verbal examinations, join a SKYPE interview with a Games official, and confirm volunteer duty assignment. 

It is challenging to assemble a talented workforce of thousands of volunteers for hundreds of work roles. Unfortunately, not all applicants will be selected as Games Time volunteers.

Following successful recruitment, the international volunteer must make travel arrangements, secure accommodations, and schedule training of several phases -- online language and culture and in-country training for the Games Time assignment. Don't neglect to purchase travel and international health insurance!

The PyeongChang 2018 Volunteer must complete Korean Language Cultural Awareness Course of 31 lessons hosted by Pagoda Academy, Inc. Content includes Introduction to the Korean Alphabet, Using Public Transportation, Expressing Emotions, Volunteering, Managing Emergencies, Asking for Help and much more! Training is moderated by bilingual teachers in an interactive video format.

For instance, in the lesson Expressing Emotions, the trainee learns how to express happiness, hunger, thirst, preference for a team and athlete, and the importance of respect for elders. There is much to learn to insure a happy, safe and successful Winter Games. Together, we are a committed PASSION CREW - Ari, Ari!

“When PyeongChang welcomes all the world, it will be your smiles, and your warm welcome that people will remember forever,” said the IOC President. “Your passion will connect the world with a wonderful Korean culture and well-known hospitality. Volunteering brings out the best in us. And the Games could not happen without your participation. You are an essential part of PyeongChang 2018.