Our World is a small place

Who would think a Paralympic Games  volunteer from USA would travel more than 7,000 miles and be assigned a roommate, who is a Korean National and a fellow alumnus of The University of South Carolina?

Although we had not met before, we were both graduate students in Columbia during the same  period 25 years ago! Go Gamecocks! Byungkook Jung earned his MSW in 1992. I graduated with an EdD in 1993; it's truly a small World!

Passion Crew volunteers and roommates - Brian Geiger (USA),
"Baker" Jung (ROK) & Mitchell Biersner (USA)

Snow returned to PyeongChang in time for snowboarding, alpine skiing and cross-country competitions. Our small volunteer team assigned to help with Ceremonies was featured in Korean media. "Passion Crew" volunteers strive for successful Paralympic Winter Games - LINK to Insight Korea

Making friends, open to new experiences

Volunteering at an international event provides unique opportunities to make new friends from many countries. Korean-style accommodations are unfamiliar to some of our group, sleeping several per room atop pallets. Borrowing from ancient technology, heated floors keep winter temps at bay.



We share communal meals and trade tasty snacks during down time, like shrimp crackers, dried seaweed, jujube, Italian biscuits, cinnamon and blueberry candies, even PopTarts! Exchanging stories about history and life in our countries, family members, types of employment and hobbies build bonds of commonality among our group. This is one purpose of the Olympic experience, to build understanding and peace!

I particularly enjoy visiting local attractions, like historic temples, food and fabric markets, and walking adventures in local neighborhoods. We laugh at those in our group who ask many questions before trying unfamiliar dishes, like anchovy and walnut salad, pickled radish, black peanuts and fish cake. The best approach is to try everything and you may be pleasantly surprised as I have been!

Learn about the Passion Crew, volunteers at PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games

For this southerner, it takes some time to adapt to extreme cold temperatures. I am learning to layer top and bottom, especially since cold wind blows wet snow everywhere. During dress rehearsal for the Opening Ceremonies, we watched snow illuminated by colorful laser lights and fireworkds, which was a magical sight! Only one more day before we welcome the World to PyeongChang and the Paralympic Winter Games! I look forward to meeting athletes and watching competitions.

Are you ready for winter time in South Korea?

Getting ready for my volunteer role in PyeongChang; enjoying brisk winter hikes on Red Mountain (AL). It felt great to return to the trails atop Red Mountain! Who minds a few snow flurries?

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.

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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. 

Rewards of Volunteering with U.S.A. Paralympics

Volunteers are important to the success of USA Paralympic Sport! There are many roles which volunteers assume during meets and trials, including Athlete and Coach Credentialing, Hospitality Support, Media Support, Anti-Doping Support, Athlete Support, Timekeeping, Logistics, Cheerleading and Merchandise Support. USA Paralympic staff depend on conscientious volunteers who set-up facilities beforehand and break down afterward, provide information and directions about venue and accommodations to participants and spectators. Volunteers insure all participants check in for on-time arrival to compete, and keep time during heats.

Volunteers may transport assistive devices/equipment, enforce rules for Safe Sport that protect athletes, review rights and procedures with athletes selected for drug screening. Finally, volunteers listen and reassure anxious parents and athletes and graciously serve breaks and meals to officials and coaches.

Volunteers cite desire to share their talents and spirit with others. Many believe that by helping, one receives more than is given. THANK-YOU, Paralympic Volunteers! Your quiet work "behind-the-scenes" enables athletes to compete, striving for their personal best.

 “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give” 
--- Altoona (PA) Mirror, 1944.


 

[Photo: charlotte.citysearch.com]