Volunteers cherish chance to take part in Olympics

As the spotlight shifted from the Olympic Games to the Paralympic events in Paris, the stories of Chinese volunteers who made their mark during the Games are emerging as a testament to international camaraderie and cultural exchange. Among them, Zheng Jiaxin and Liu Xinyi stand out for their dedication and the unique perspectives they brought to the grand event.

With a remarkable 45,000 volunteers contributing to the Paris 2024 Games, Zheng, a 29-year-old Chinese expatriate who works at the Postal Bank in France, took two weeks off to volunteer during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Having lived in Paris for seven years after moving from China to study big data and finance, Zheng found volunteering at the Olympics a deeply personal and meaningful endeavor.

"Volunteering for the Paris Olympics was a way for me to give back to the city that has welcomed me with open arms," she said. "It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France."

Zheng's role was crucial in helping manage the influx of spectators and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved. Her decision to dedicate part of her annual leave to volunteer highlighted her commitment.

"Even though I sacrificed 10 days of my vacation time, it was worth every moment," she said. "I wanted to repay the kindness I received when I first arrived in Paris. It felt like a way to contribute to a major event in the city I now call my second home."

For Zheng, the Olympics were more than just a series of events, they were a symbol of global unity and cultural exchange.

"We came together with a shared purpose — to showcase the friendly and united spirit of Chinese volunteers," she said. "Being a part of this global celebration and helping others was incredibly fulfilling. It was a chance to promote not only my own culture but also the values of cooperation and respect."

Zheng's sentiments were echoed by Liu Xinyi, a 25-year-old master's degree student in sociology at Sciences Po Paris, who contributed as a volunteer at the Paris Media Center during the Games.

Liu, who arrived in Paris in August 2021, had been inspired by the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a child.

"I grew up in Beijing and the 2008 Beijing Olympics left a deep impression on me when I was 9 years old. It was the first time I encountered other cultures and foreigners and the first time I was involved in an international event. I remember the openness and inclusiveness of Beijing during that time, so I truly cherish this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said.

At the Paris Media Center, Liu's role involved assisting journalists from around the world and ensuring they had a smooth experience covering the Olympics.

"I was responsible for greeting journalists, helping them navigate the center, and coordinating events," she explained. "The opportunity to use my multilingual skills and interact with media professionals was incredibly rewarding. It also allowed me to see the inner workings of international media coverage up close."

Liu's work came with its challenges, including early mornings and a demanding schedule.

"Waking up at 6 am every day was tough," she admitted. "But the chance to attend news conferences and meet renowned figures, like French historian Patrick Boucheron, made it all worthwhile. The most valuable lesson I gained from being part of the Olympics and Paralympics volunteer team was the importance of maintaining curiosity and showing respect and enthusiasm for other cultures. This diversity greatly aided us in providing tailored services to journalists from different countries."

As the Paralympics began, the stories of Zheng and Liu highlighted the significant impact volunteers have had on the Paris 2024 Games. Their contributions embody a broader spirit of international collaboration and mutual respect, reflecting the values that the Olympics and Paralympics aim to promote.

For both, the memories of their volunteer work will remain a cherished part of their time in Paris and a symbol of their commitment to fostering international understanding.