JOVIN HURRY
[Upcoming volunteer for the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games]
Today, 16 April 2024, the Paris 2024 Olympic flame lighting ceremony takes place in Olympia, a momentous occasion filling global media headlines, with its traditional Greek bells, whistles and dances.
Tomorrow 17 April is the 100 Countdown-Days-To-Go to the Olympic Games, the final sprint. The excitement is getting to its peak, for organisers, participants and spectators. The widely acclaimed Greatest Show on Earth is coming to town.
While most sports spectators would watch the best of humanity unravel, comfortably from their home TV lounge, imagine what it would be like to be among the few right over there, in flesh and bones at the crime scene, to witness “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, these records being broken at running the fastest, jumping the highest and throwing the farthest!
Imagine breathing the same tensed air, feeling the same crunchy butterflies, and hearing the same heart-pounding silence, just before the sprint starter’s pistol goes off.
International volunteering in top sports competitions is one prized, yet accessible, ticket for such memorably inspiring moments, and for additional personal growth and fulfilment in life.
Here, I count my lived-in experiences, to encourage fellow Mauritians of all ages to volunteer, so as not to lose a chance to rub shoulders with individuals who defy and define human potential, and to be part of history-making in global sports communities.
Flashback to the London 2012 Olympic Games: Volunteers were officially called the Games Makers, “the much-needed heroes of these Games,” as the then International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge commented.
Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, sparked a rapturous applause and a huge standing ovation from the 80,000 crowd when he thanked the Games Makers. I returned to Mauritius with renewed meanings about discipline, priorities and service. These have stayed with me since, and over time hammered the mettle of my personality.
Heroes unsung and unseen, yet critical
at all levels
Paris 2024 Games will attract millions of spectators and viewers worldwide, with the athletes taking centre stage. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, will be the volunteers, heroes unsung and often unnoticed but indispensable.
They will be at the heart of the events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from way before the National Olympic Delegations arrive until the final victory celebration, then packing and cleaning of the grounds.
Volunteers play diverse roles. The range of their responsibilities is huge. They guide spectators to their seats; help athletes in the Olympic Village; check on the safety and security of all attendees at the event.
For the above, they undergo, online and/or in-person, extensive training and preparation to handle their roles effectively. They receive specific instructions on event logistics, emergency procedures, and customer service. This training ensures that they are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise during the games.
Each volunteer
is a unique story
Each volunteer I have met revealed their special motivations to take time off, fly around and invest their savings to build friendships and serve people they have not befriended yet.
Mathile Molla, Brazilian, volunteer, who has been around the world from the Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games to Berlin 2022 European Championships, shares that “my volunteering experience that touches me the most is when I meet volunteer friends again. Then, we travel together and share itinerary, ideas and stories. This makes me believe in human beings and their kindness.”
Elisabeth Oweson, Swedish, volunteer, has also been around the world, from Pan American Games 2023 to several European Youth Olympic Festivals, admits that “you, as a volunteer, can make a difference: cheering and helping not only those who are on the podium, but also the ones who are struggling. They remember that you helped them. It changed my perspective and made me realise that it’s not always about winning, but about participating.”
Volunteering can be deeply immersive. Elisabeth explains further: “Seeing mentally challenged individuals compete and their immense pleasure at doing sports made me realise that there truly are ways to make our world a better place and that my helping hand can make a difference. Volunteers are rewarded, not in money, but in understanding, friendship and smiles.”
Every little helps,
when athletes’ careers are at stake
While many stakeholders are served in the games by the volunteers, those who need prompt, professional and premium service delivery are primarily the athletes and the Chefs de Mission (CdM), who head an entire delegation, sometimes in the hundreds. The feedback of the CdM and athletes are tell-tale signs of a volunteer performance and raison-d’être of service with a purpose.
Jérémie Lararaudeuse, Mauritian, national champion athlete for 110 metre hurdles, says that: “I’d give them 10/10. They were all kind, ready to help. They made an effort with those who did not understand the local languages. They were ready to move around, to make every effort for the smooth running of the games. They gave of themselves so that the athletes did not have much to do themselves, or get stressed and could focus on their competitions. This helped a lot.”
Mr. Paramasiven Sammynaden, Mauritian, CdM of Mauritius at the 2023 World Athletics in Budapest, Hungary shares that “volunteers are one of the core components for the success of the events. Without them, the reputation of the organisation is at stake because they will turn the tiniest stone to make things possible and to serve and comfort their guests.”
“They welcomingly and positively provided tireless assistance to the team, delegates or anyone who needed them. This feeling of trust, reassurance and safety helped a lot in this new sporting city.”
“The volunteers helped me and my team to overcome various petty issues without disturbing the head of the organisation. Gaining the trust and the effective communication helped me to plan, adapt and adjust with every situation during the games.”
Moreover, Mr. Choytun Satyagan, Mauritian, CdM of Mauritius at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games, in Berlin, Germany admits that “it was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to the incredible volunteers who selflessly dedicated their time and energy to make the event a resounding success.”
“Their warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering support not only ensured the smooth running of the Games, but also created a nurturing environment where athletes from Mauritius and around the world could thrive and shine. They left a lasting impression on all of us of an unforgettable celebration of courage, determination, and camaraderie.”
Ms. Rehab Boresli, Kuwaiti, CdM of Kuwait at the same games in Berlin, elbows our thinking further, when she questions us: “How do you feel when you volunteer to serve others, specifically those who need support, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and others? Peace must prevail in the universe and we must coexist with each other despite our ethnic, ideological and cultural differences.”
Serving to be part of something bigger than oneself, again and again
Ensuring that the games run smoothly is not all rainbow and sunshine. These unpaid hands and brains must be focused, dedicated, work hard and long hours, in good and challenging weather.
Their mettle being tested with big crowds and demanding VIPs, they must adapt to changing environments and handle subsequent intensity with calm and demeanour.
With many moving parts in a game, it is easy to get into new situations, like a logistical hiccup, a security challenge, or a medical emergency. Flexibility and quick-thinking are hence prized. All this provides a great learning environment in life skills and a chance to display one’s talent.
Kim Liu, Head of Protocol & Events at the International Paralympic Committee admits: “I had the privilege to meet and work with so many talented volunteers at past Games and make fond memories, which I will never forget. They are united with the same goal of making the Games successful and memorable for everyone. Without them, no international multisport event could be delivered.”
“Connecting with people from all over the world, building up new friendships with other volunteers, being a part of something bigger – signing up as an international volunteer could not only become a once in a lifetime experience, but something you might want to continue doing again and again.”
The best volunteers I have met take their tasks at hand seriously, like an athlete, and return to volunteering engagements, again and again, as if bitten by a volunteering bug.
Kamilla Sultanova, from Uzbekistan, TEDx speaker on Volunteering, Consultant on Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, shares: “Volunteering is well-being, take it seriously. In the dynamic arena of life, many have found solace and purpose in volunteering. Those who have done volunteering know the immense impact it has on your life: the genuine laughs, hectic ad hoc days, drafting, discussing, team building, especially when it’s the only door that is open despite adversity and confusion.”
Kamilla bravely shared her volunteering experiences at TEDXHelsinkiUniversity in Finland in 2018 and has since touched over 40,000 lives. She believes volunteers, in sports and other areas of life, are the champions of humanity. Her voice continues to guide young professionals and worried parents seeking advice for their children’s future.
Volunteering is a race
with no finish line
This July 2024, as the 10,500 athletes parade in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, one like no other, not in the traditional stadium, but breaking with tradition, as a first, on river Seine; imagine the volunteers on stand-by behind the scenes making it all happen. Volunteering can be a transformative experience for Mauritians willing to build confidence, develop life skills and discover new strengths within themselves.