Tuesday 7 August 2012

Olympic Volunteering


I didn't think of volunteering for the Olympics. I was one of the grumblers, I'm sorry to say. But I'm eating my words now. Here in London anyway, the whole Olympics event has highlighted what ordinary people can do, and how amazing it can be.

The above pictures are part of a fascinating display in the National Portrait Gallery, one of my favourite museums in London. As part of their Olympic theme, photographer Nadav Kandar photographed some of the torch bearers who took turns in carrying the Olympic Flame through Britain to London.

The three shown are (left to right) Kenneth Reid, blind from the disease retinitis pigmentosa, who volunteers for many organisations to help the blind. Second from left, Abtisam Mohamed battled a tough upbringing to take a law degree and began a charity to raise the aspirations and achievements of Yemeni women in Britain, and their children. Third, Andy Tutte, an ex heroin addict and homeless man, who now teaches young people about health through fitness and sport.

There are several photos and descriptions of other inspirational people in the gallery, and a link to the portraits here.

And then, how's this for volunteering? This nice BMW, whizzing through a restricted area, might have been driven by someone I met yesterday. He'd volunteered as a driver, and said it was one of the high experiences of his life to be part of a huge once-in-a-lifetime event.

He'd been allocated to drive around foreign bigwigs in a gleaming BMW. Sailing through London, preceded by many cops with blue flashing lights, stopping all the traffic. How cool is that?


He had felt very "challenged" at the start, because everything had to be perfect. But his Olympic pass lets him into many events for free, and he's mixing with people of all colours and cultures from all walks of life. He also said he's never seen so many celebrities. All such a change from his normal life, he said.

I asked if he was a driver in his normal life, and he said, "No, I'm a managing director of an international company." (!)

And then, I spotted these bandsmen outside the American Ambassador's residence on the first day of the Olympics. Michelle Obama was there hosting hundreds of poor London kids, plus 700 American kids, and a group of top athletes and celebrities had a day of Olympic themed activities. What an experience for them!

When snapping this photo, I was taken by the guy in the truck. He reminded me of someone from a Norman Rockwell picture.


I sure hope that whoever is organising the Olympics in Rio, 2016, will also involve all members of their community. Meanwhile, I'm mad I missed out, but I am so enjoying being in London and seeing everything. And I am very proud that the organisers of this games have done so much to be inclusive of everyone in our country.

32 comments:

  1. Agreed - these Olympics are bringing out the best in so many people. And if they continue to inspire our young people in the future - getting them away from their consoles and out playing football or running etc. then the games will have a wonderful legacy.

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  2. Loved todays Olympic update, and a great perspective.

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  3. I only know one of the volunteers. She was given a fairly mundane task but she has enjoyed it immensely. As do all the others from what I can make out. British efficiency at it's best, I call it. I'm so proud of them, as I am of the whole Olympics organisers. And what about the spectators who rose to the occasion in fine voice, urging on the competitors and creating an atmosphere to enjoy. I've loved every minute of the Olympics and, according to my various American friends, so has everyone else.

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  4. Jealous of your proximity.

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  5. Absolutely agree!
    I'm just back from a weekend in London, and I was bowled over by it all. Your country has done a brilliant job! And I loved how, as you put it "people of all colours and cultures from all walks of life" were included.
    Great job!

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  6. Thanks for all the snippets of this and that which we probably don't get to see in the news here (although what do I know, since I'm not exactly sitting glued to the TV watching everything that IS being shown).

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  7. My sister volunteered at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver when they were held there a couple of years or so ago and she said it was one of the best experiences of her life. She loved the excitement, organization, spirit of the whole enterprise; how the whole city came together as a homogeneous whole. Plus she had a nice uniform.
    I enjoyed how the opening ceremonies extravaganza in London was so all-inclusive of the population of Great Britain.
    Good that you finally got on the band wagon!

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  8. No better way to really "get" into such a huge event as by contributing, in some way or other, even with a seemingly small task. Second best is living there, and sharing the experience with others, as you are doing through your blog. Thank you!

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  9. Oh, I did what you did. When Olympics came for winter games in 2002, I even stumbled onto a meeting of volunteers, headed by a former neighbor and I walked away...then when I saw the cool things the volunteer did...I was sad. Hahahaha,..I hear Utah may be bidding for Winter Olympics again...there go I.

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  10. that is really cool...and what memories they are making i am sure...esp that driver, that is really cool...makes me wish for the opportunity as well...

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  11. Thanks for this Jenny. It's so good to hear things from the volunteers' angle.

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  12. It was the same during the Winter Olympics in BC. The events simply could not have taken place and run as smoothly as they did without the help of volunteers. They do get perks for doing the job but it is usually hard work. I was impressed with the extra spark of cheerful helpfulness most exuded. They really are ambassadors as visitors can be left with impressions of a country through the attitudes of the volunteers.

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  13. The "backstage pass" to the Olympics that volunteering would've provided (at least in part) would indeed be incredible...

    Pearl

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  14. Hi Jenny,

    I truly wish I were in London right now, just soaking up the Olympic buzz as you are. I didn't know they had Volunteer opportunities but that counts, for me, as one of those "real" life experiences. So different from just being a tourist or spectator, which is exciting already. I really love the story of the managing director acting as chauffeur! That was probably more rewarding than coming out of a business meeting.

    My husband, in his previous life/youth before thoughts of careers took over, was a competitive gymnast (he was actually state champion and competed at national level, and competed for his university). In the 1984 Olympics in LA, he volunteered to perform in the Opening Ceremonies. A bunch of his gymnastics buddies also did, so they were tumbling all around dressed up as Pioneers of the West. He still has his costume from that time. He said he also used to train in the same track as sprinters like Jackie Joyner Kersee back then. Again, in my mind, that counts as a "real" experience of being completely involved rather than just being a spectator.

    I've been away on a mental vacation from the computer and my camera too. I just wanted to be more a part of the conversations and experiences (whenever we have people over or go out) rather than be a documenter or spectator. Well, that, and also I've been watching way too much Olympics coverage on the telly!

    Enjoy what remains of the Games!

    Jenny

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  15. How wonderful that so many had a chance to take place in what is probably a once in a lifetime event for them. I've been enjoying watching the games every night--I think London did a fabulous job!

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  16. Not being at all interested in sport, the Olympics has made little impact on me, though I'm very impressed by the 22 gold medals (and maybe more to come). The relentless determination and gruelling training that led to those coveted bits of metal is staggering.

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  17. I'm so looking forward to every post on the Olympics. The little things that you are telling about are bits that no one would ever know!
    You're awesome!

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  18. Jenny - you just made me realize what a small world this is. The band in your last picture is the band for the Univerity of Florida in Gainesville (the UF Gator Band). My nephew was in London with this band, which was very exciting for the whole family.

    I can't tell if my nephew is in your picture, but I'll send the link to your blog to my sister-in-law. She'll be so excited to find out that the band made it onto a blog of an English travel writer!

    What a coincidence!

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  19. How great to be able to see the Olympics! I am enjoying them from afar from my spot on the couch at home.

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  20. Very interesting news about the Olympics! It is great to see everyone pitching in to make a success of this event!

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  21. How wonderful it is to share the sense of belongings in such a marvelous event!
    Your blog is eye-opening. The real games are only the tip of the iceberg. The significance of the Olympics seems to be much deeper.
    Olympic Games was held in Tokyo in 1964. And Tokyo was one of Candidate cities for 2016 Olympics. 2020 maybe??
    keiko

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  22. The olympics were really spectacular eventhough I am not a sports person. I would love to be involved in a way these volunteers did. But then again there are just so much things you can do. These torch bearers are very special, very inspirational people. How nice they got to carry the torch.

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  23. I have to say that I too was a bit of a grumbler and a doubter - and now I join you at the cafe serving ones' own words.

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  24. You've shared the experience in your own unique way, and for that I'm thankful. What a glimpse into a side of the games we'd normally never see. So glad I dropped by today!

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  25. This is wonderful Jenny -- thanks for sharing! I wouldn't have known about any of this. Hooray for London!

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  26. Isn't it fascinating how different London is at present. I know it can't possibly last past the Olympics but it has made wonder "what if" and to think we were all expecting the worst.

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  27. Wow, what fun! It's almost a once-in-a-lifetime chance to volunteer for such a big event. Maybe I'll do the same if the Olympics ever make it to my area.

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  28. Jenny - with all your adventuresome travel I am amazed that you did NOT volunteer to add to your journal experiences for all us Brit wannabes across the pond - getting an up close and personal look at all the hoopla! Love all these interesting little side stories, though - the managing director driving around big wigs - really something!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  29. Volunteering for a huge sports event like the Olympics is sure a great way to be a part of it and meeting people too!

    I remembered how excited I was to volunteer for the Commonwealth Games when it was held in Malaysia in 1998! :)

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  30. Haha, Alan, (and Mary) I have been known to eat quite often at that cafe!
    Valerie, I too am feeling quite patriotic too .
    Thanks for all the comments. Betina, that is so amazing. I sent you the other photos I took of the Gators, and I hope your sister in law likes them. Keiko, it would be fabulous if Tokyo gets the Olympics, I hope it happens!
    Adullamite, I am ashamed of you! Into the broom cupboard, please.
    Jenny, thanks for returning from your "blog break" to comment. I really did think the managing director found his volunteering far more interesting than running the company! He was almost dancing around talking about it, like a kid. :)
    Louciao, I often hear people say all kinds of volunteering is fun, but I think that when it is really well organised, like Olympics, it must be most fun of all. I hope that the lessons are learned in the UK, i.e. that you have to harness the enthusiasm of volunteers by organising them well.
    Mind you - that costs money.

    To everyone else that replied, thank you!

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  31. For someone who is punctual to a fault in my 'real' life I always seem to be lagging behind reading certain blogs. I would state categorically that this post hadn't appeared on my dashboard but for the fact that I'm sure I'd have been wrong. Just as I seem to have been on the subject of the Olympics. If I had not had CJ staying I probably would not have watched any of it except the tennis while Murray was in it. As it is the bits I have watched I have enjoyed. Just as I have enjoyed your the added dimension that your post has just given me. For all the scumbags there are in the world there are still a lot of really decent people. It gives me some heart.

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