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Published: January 18th 2018
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In 2 days I will be on a flight to South Korea to volunteer for the Winter Olympics. My role is a National Olympic Committee Assistant to Team USA. My duties are (this is an excerpt from my acceptance letter):
- assisting their assigned NOC/NPC delegation with translation, driving, office work and other related duties from the day of their arrival to departure; this could be from as early as the Pre-Opening of Olympic/Paralympic Village(s) to no later than the Closing of Olympic/Paralympic Village(s).
- assisting the NOC/NPC Service Team to help the operation of the NOC/NPC Services Centre(s) in Olympic/Paralympic Village(s).
- assisting NOC/NPC Assistant Team with the management of the NOC/NPC Assistant Programme.
They refer to teams as "delegations". Basically I'm a Personal Assistant to Team USA.
Many people have asked me how I did this. I actually applied to be a volunteer for the Brazil Olympics and I was accepted. However, the volunteer process was so unorganized and I had to make my own accommodation, so I decided to not go.
I submitted my application for the S. Korea Olympics in August 2016. Since then it has been
a process of interviews and other steps to get to where I am today.
I am nervous and excited to do this. I have been taking Korean lessons and my tutor has helped me with the transportation steps once I get there. I break it down like this:
1. San Diego to Incheon Airport (airport at Seoul, S. Korea).
2. Train from Incheon Airport to Jinbu station (this is near PyeongChang where many events will be held).
3. Shuttle from Jinbu station to UAC (Uniform & Accreditation Center). This is where I pick up my uniform and credentials.
4. Shuttle from UAC to Kwandong University. My accomodations are at the University. I get to live in a college dormitory room with other people. Oh boy! I haven't done that in 45 years!
The events are split into 2 villages: PyeongChang and Gangneung.
The events near PyeongChang are: Ski Jump, Snowboard, Biathlon, Cross Country Ski, Freestyle Ski, Nordic Combined, Luge, Bobsled, Skeleton, Alpine Ski Races.
The events are Gangneung are: Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Short Track, Speed Skating, Curling.
My accomodation is closer to Gangneung. I do not have my final assignment yet - I will get that there.
Opening ceremonies are Feb. 8th, so you're probably wondering why I have to go now. Good question! I arrive on Jan. 22nd. I have training on Jan. 23, 24, & 25. TeamUSA starts arriving on Jan. 26th - so I'm ready to pick them up at the airport, help them get their credentials, get them to the village, etc. And yes - I have an International Drivers License. The time before Opening Ceremony is very busy and all the volunteers will be busy. That is why I arrive 2 1/2 weeks before Opening Ceremony.
I will try to blog every 3-4 days. I have no idea how busy I will be so it may be a bit random.
나중에 보자
najung-e boja (See you later)
Sue
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Pat Collins
non-member comment
Olympics here you come!
Wow - another amazing adventure! Enjoy your time there and all the wonderful Korean food. Looking forward to your blog reports!