Experiences at the Olympics

Representing your country in a large international sporting event like the Olympics, in the summer or winter games, and understanding what it feels to win gold, stand at the top of the podium and have the national anthem play, is an experience majority of us will never have. Back on July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Prague selected Vancouver as the host city for the 2010 winter games. I remember distinctly when not only Vancouver, but also Canada was awarded with such an honor. I was born, grew up and went to school in British Columbia. It was after high school that I moved to Ontario for my post-secondary education at Redeemer. Ever since Vancouver was given the 21st Olympic Games, I have always wanted to be a part of welcoming the world to the city in which I grew up.

The Olympic flame lit in Vancouver. Photo by Allyson Vanderkooi

I started the application process over a year ago, but it was not until a few months ago that I was officially offered a volunteer position. The title I was given was Load Zone Attendant and stationed at Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR). I really had no idea what Load Zone Attendant meant or what my role would all entail, but I discovered it all on my first shift. As a Load Zone Attendant I have the privilege to personally welcome the athletes, IOC members and Olympic families. Essentially, I am an escort and guide them to buses or special Vancouver Olympic vehicles for Whistler or Vancouver depending on if the client is an athlete, IOC member or Olympic family. Nelly Furtado, Alex Ovechkin, Jerome Iginla, Brian Burke, Ron Wilson, and Canada’s figure skating team are examples of the kinds of people I have been fortunate enough to serve.

It is hard to be downtown and not have a good time as there is such high levels of energy all the time, lots to see and do, and several large screens set up all over to watch live coverage of the games. Robson Square is at the heart of some of the best Olympic celebrations. There is a zip line course that runs between two towers across Robson square that is for free and it has attracted crowds of 600-700 + people a day. There have been reports where people have waited up to 6 hours in line to experience this zip course, which lasts no longer than 15 seconds. I did not wait quite that long, but the adrenaline you got crusing over the city was exhilarating. In the center of the square there is an ice rink where you can bring your own skates or rent some for $3.00. There are also concerts to attend every night at different venues free of charge. Artists like Sam Roberts, Fiest, and Bedouin Soundclash are among those that have performed on stages throughout the lower mainland, providing live music for people to enjoy. Everywhere you go, you see red and white and perhaps more Canadian flags than you’ve seen ever before in one area. The merchandise sales have exploded. The famous red Vancouver 2010 mittens are a hot item and a must have. A million were sold before Christmas and some say that another 2 million were made and have been sold since then. Scarves and hoodies that everyone longs to own have been sold out and merchandise from Hudson Bay Company (HBC) stores across Canada have been sent to Vancouver to meet the high demands. It is unreal. You look around on the Skytrain or buses and almost everyone is wearing at least one piece of the official Canadian clothing from HBC. My experience so far has been nothing but positive and I feel privileged to be welcoming the nations of the world to the 2010 winter games.