Volunteering at the Paris Olympics: an unforgettable experience

With the glowing Paris summer days drawing to an end, reflecting on my experience as a City of Paris Olympics volunteer seemed like the perfect way to transition from a summer that kept on to the beginning of a bustling start to the term.

My nine-year-old self as a spectator at the London 2012 Games could never have imagined I would be volunteering in Paris 12 years later. Once unimaginable, now unforgettable, the possibilities and rewarding experiences that have emerged from the Paris Olympics will stay with me for years to come.

An eye-opening experience

To begin, here are a few things I have noticed and learned about the world from these games:

1. The evolution of the Olympics, spanning millennia, is incredible to reflect on and a testament to the empowerment such a prestigious sporting event can disperse over the citizens and visitors of its host city.
2. Not only does the Olympics create regeneration in cities, its impact reaches further across the world. Communicating with my relatives in the UK coupled with using sport streaming apps made it apparent to me how the development of technology has facilitated access to live sport, bringing it into the heart of people’s homes.
3. Every one of us had a role to play and a contribution which, when connected, enabled the games to be such a success. When you’re part of something monumental, it is rewarding to feel as though your individual efforts have contributed to the experience in a positive way. Also important is the culture created by the organisers, and the City of Paris made every one of us feel like our efforts were appreciated.

Sporting excellence up close

I was part of the team based at the Champ de Mars Arena which hosted Judo, Wrestling, Para Judo and Wheelchair Rugby through the course of the Games. Our operational base was located nearby, a space where our coordinators conducted team briefings and volunteers were able to relax and socialise. It was also the spot where we were given lunches, which never failed to impress!

My volunteering experience expanded beyond my individual mission at Champ De Mars; each volunteer received two tickets for the games, gifted to us by the City of Paris. I was fortunate to experience the Paralympics athletics, an incredibly eye-opening evening at the Stade de France and one that inspired me to believe in the brilliance of the human spirit. I witnessed Vanessa Low win gold for Australia in the women’s long jump T63 and, later that week, found myself in the same coffee shop as her, where she offered to let me hold her gold medal. You never know what the future will bring!

Seeing the city come to life

Making the most of the games became my focus outside of volunteering hours; most notably I explored the houses representing each participant country at La Villette in the 19th arrondissement, Champions Park at Trocadero, fan zones (notably Hotel de Ville), and Parc de Princes for a lively football match. Through these visits I witnessed how Paris came alive during the Games, with cultural institutions, districts and sporting venues contributing to the overall experience for visitors. Moreover, transforming iconic venues into sporting hubs showcased the very best of French culture, particularly its unbeatable architecture.

While my volunteer experience was centred at the Champ de Mars arena, the City of Paris organisers held social and celebratory events. At the end of the Paralympics, we were invited to L’Hotel de Ville to celebrate our involvement in the games. The dazzling venue elevated the evening, indicating how social spaces play a crucial role in emboldening the event itself and creating an atmosphere for guests.

Creating connections

On a more personal note, I resonated with the Olympic principle of fostering friendship throughout the experience. The connections I have made as a volunteer were built on such strong foundations, starting from the love of sport, whether that be spectating or playing, and ending at openness to connecting with teammates across languages, backgrounds and cultures.

Although tinged with sadness, reconnecting with friends solidified the memories we now share and can take forward in our lives. Equally, with both Games now having drawn to a close, I have realised how much I have personally grown. Entering into unknown situations beyond my comfort zone, like volunteering, is what is shaping me as a 21-year-old living abroad. What I also loved was how my volunteer friends range in ages; a brilliant opportunity to learn from others and share life experience.

Volunteering in Paris will be an unforgettable experience – although cliché to say, being in the centre of the action and spreading positivity between ourselves and to spectators created an ambience where you felt as though anything was possible.

In the words of Scott Hamilton, USA Figure Skating Olympic gold medalist:

Most other competitions are individual achievements, but the Olympic Games is something that belongs to everybody.

Anna Lofts is studying BA French Studies with International Relations at the University of London Institute in Paris.