The successful hosting of a global multi-sport event is not possible without the invaluable assistance of volunteers. Amid the grandeur of the Hangzhou Asian Games, held in East China’s picturesque Zhejiang Province, a volunteer team comprising international students and dedicated teachers has been playing an extraordinary and vital role in contributing to the Asian sports showcase.
Hangzhou, the vibrant host city, welcomes visitors with open arms, and as they venture further north to the city of Huzhou, located about 88 kilometers away, they are warmly greeted at the high-speed railway station and highway exits by an enthusiastic and diverse international volunteer team named “Younger.”
Ma Jiajia, an official with the local community office in Deqing county, Huzhou, shares insights into the origins of the Younger volunteer team. It was founded in 2021, owing much of its inception to the sizable population of foreign students in the area.
In a significant development in July 2022, a group of foreign students from the Zhejiang University of Technology joined the Younger team. This infusion of talent transformed the team into a robust 150-member multinational group, with volunteers hailing from as far afield as Morocco, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Nepal, among other nations.
“The international volunteers are not merely assisting with communication for foreign visitors,” Ma explains, “but they are also instrumental in fostering exchanges and facilitating multicultural learning through the Asian Games.”
Ma underscores the unique opportunity that the Asian Games provides to these international volunteers. It allows them to leverage their linguistic prowess and contribute significantly to the grand sporting event.
Before the Hangzhou Games commenced, the volunteer team went the extra mile by organizing language learning workshops for local children. These workshops aimed to equip the youngsters with a better understanding of the multi-sport event in English, making the Games more accessible and engaging for them.
The scale of volunteer engagement for the Hangzhou Games was nothing short of remarkable. A total of 37,600 volunteers, primarily students from 46 prestigious universities in Zhejiang Province, as well as seasoned professionals in fields such as organization and management, foreign languages, and medicine, underwent an intensive testing and interview process. Their mission? To provide invaluable support for both the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. Among these dedicated volunteers were 230 international representatives.
Dressed in vibrant turquoise uniforms, the official volunteers became affectionately known as “Little Qinghe.” The name, similar in pronunciation to the English word “genial,” aptly represents the spirit of youth, warmth, and amiability that these volunteers brought to the event.
The journey of these volunteers began well before the opening ceremony of the Games. A month prior, they convened to participate in rigorous test matches and intensive training. This hands-on experience not only helped them become well-versed in their roles but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among the international team members.
The Enriching Blend of Modernity and Tradition: Volunteers at the Hangzhou Asian Games
Jack Wyldeck, a passionate Australian teacher, embarked on a unique journey in 2022 when he joined the dynamic Younger team. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Deqing, Jack’s mission during the Hangzhou Asian Games revolves around welcoming visitors at the bustling Deqing high-speed railway station and guiding them on their journey.
As an educator at a bilingual K12 school in Deqing, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his role as a Games guide. With a love for chess and badminton, he sees the Asian Games as a transformative force, one that promises to elevate the city’s image.
“I truly believe that the Games will propel Deqing into the spotlight,” Jack asserts. “Already, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations across the city, with elegant structures and charming mascot statues adorning the county. This not only adds to the vibrant sporting atmosphere of Deqing but also resonates in neighboring Huzhou.”
Indeed, the effort to rejuvenate the cityscape for this momentous event is evident in the floral displays and mascot statues that now grace the streets of Huzhou. But the city’s commitment to modernity and convenience doesn’t stop there. A driverless bus, traversing a 10-kilometer circular route in Deqing, ensures seamless transportation for spectators, shuttling them effortlessly between the Deqing Sports Centre Gymnasium, the hub of volleyball events, and the Deqing Geographic Information Town Basketball Court, the epicenter of 3×3 basketball action.
In alignment with the overarching ethos of the Hangzhou Games—”green, smart, economical, and ethical”—the volleyball venue stands as a symbol of transformation. What was once an aging gymnasium has been lovingly renovated to meet the standards of a world-class sporting event.
While Jack Wyldeck’s story exemplifies the global appeal of the Asian Games, Houssam el Mir, another dedicated member of the Younger team, offers a unique perspective. Houssam, hailing from the captivating nation of Morocco, is an undergraduate student at the esteemed Zhejiang University of Technology, pursuing a degree in Computer Science Engineering. His participation as a volunteer in the Hangzhou Asian Games is a testament to the event’s international allure.
For Houssam, Hangzhou is more than just the backdrop for the Games; it’s a city of profound beauty, known for its resplendent natural scenery, particularly the enchanting West Lake. This renowned destination has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Houssam is quick to extol its virtues.
“The juxtaposition of modernity and tradition in Hangzhou is nothing short of captivating,” Houssam enthuses. “The city’s rich cultural heritage, combined with the warm and welcoming nature of its people, make it an ideal place to call home and pursue my studies.”
During the Games, Houssam wears many hats, offering his volunteer services across various venues and locations. His responsibilities include providing essential information to visitors and assisting with critical administrative tasks such as event management and logistics. This proficiency is not just by chance; it’s a result of Houssam’s prior volunteer experience in local community activities in Zhejiang, a valuable foundation upon which he builds for the Asian Games.
Creating Memorable Moments: Experiencing the Hangzhou Games
The Hangzhou Asian Games have undeniably taken the world by storm, captivating hearts and minds from across the globe. Among the countless spectators and volunteers who have come together to celebrate this sporting extravaganza, two individuals, Houssam and Jack, share their perspectives on what makes this event truly exceptional.
Houssam, a Moroccan undergraduate student pursuing Computer Science Engineering at the Zhejiang University of Technology, exudes excitement when he talks about the Games. “I’m excited to watch a variety of events during the Hangzhou Games, particularly athletics. Athletics represents the pinnacle of human physical performance, and it’s always thrilling to witness athletes from different countries competing at the highest level. The atmosphere at the track and field events is electrifying,” Houssam enthuses.
Indeed, athletics has a unique allure. It showcases the incredible human potential and the boundless limits of human achievement. The cheers of the crowd, the pounding of the athletes’ footsteps, and the electrifying energy in the air all combine to make track and field events an unforgettable experience.
For the foreign athletes who have journeyed to Hangzhou to participate in the Games, Jack, an Australian teacher working at a bilingual K12 school in Deqing, has some valuable advice. He encourages them not to rush back home after their competitions but to savor the enriching experiences that China has to offer.
“I want them to stay in China as long as they can and truly enjoy everything it offers,” Jack suggests warmly. “Beyond the delectable cuisine and the breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll find interacting with the local people to be a truly fascinating experience. For instance, you can engage in a friendly game of Chinese chess with the wise elders who gather around the banks of the West Lake. These encounters often lead to meaningful conversations and cultural exchange. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in some square dancing with the cheerful local ladies.”
Jack’s passion for cultural immersion is evident as he continues, “Hopefully, you can learn a little bit of Chinese before you come over, and then you can make friends for life. People will eagerly add you on WeChat, China’s ubiquitous messaging app, and through it, you’ll forge bonds that last a lifetime. Making friends and sharing experiences together is a source of great joy, and it’s a significant part of what has kept me going on adventures for so long,” Jack concludes with a heartfelt smile.
Jack’s advice resonates deeply with the spirit of the Hangzhou Games. Beyond sportsmanship and competition, these Games serve as a bridge connecting people from different corners of the world. They offer a window into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and traditions, encouraging visitors to embrace the local way of life and build lasting connections.
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