By Honorary Reporter Frenky Ramiro from East Timor

The Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics (Gangwon 2024) in Gangwon-do Province on Feb. 1 ended its 14-day run without major incident as the first Youth Winter Olympics held in Asia. The event's success was thanks to the hard work of the organizing committee and its volunteers, who were ready to do their jobs anywhere and anytime.

Two volunteers, Nur Asilah binti Zainal Abidin from Malaysia and Khushboo Shafi from India, shared in written interviews via Instagram messaging from Feb. 1-9 their experiences at Gangwon 2024.

What memorable experiences did you have as a Gangwon 2024 volunteer?
Zainal Abidin: One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing the dedication and hard work of the athletes and contributing to the smooth operation of the event. As a Korean Sport and Olympic Committee assistant, I helped athletes throughout their journey, from their arrival to their departure home.

Being involved in behind-the-scenes activities was both challenging and enriching. We had to ensure the athletes felt welcomed or handled their needs during the competition. The experience allowed me to develop organizational and interpersonal skills while making a meaningful contribution. Overall, being part of the Gangwon 2024 volunteer team was a memorable and transformative experience that reinforced my passion for community service and teamwork.

Shafi: I loved being part of this program while tasked to manage and monitor media covering the athletes. Initially, it was a bit difficult and I felt nervous when given pages of instructions in Korean. But everything went smooth once I got thorough explanations from managers. It was a great experience and I made a lot of friends.

What were the most exciting aspects of volunteering for Gangwon 2024?
Zainal Abidin: I'd say the opportunity to interact closely with the athletes from various countries and cultures, which offered the chance for language and cultural exchange. I found myself communicating with them in different languages, learning about their stories and experiences, and sharing their enthusiasm for the event.

Shafi: For me, it was how things were managed perfectly by senior staff ranging from bus routes, timing and games to uniforms for volunteers. I was amazed at how small things were so well managed and organized.

How did you find the celebratory events of Gangwon 2024?
Zainal Abidin: They were spectacular and memorable. The opening and closing ceremonies served as the bookends of this remarkable celebration. The Parade of Nations, live performances and speeches by key figures all contributed to the grandeur.

Throughout the games, attention to detail in event planning was evident. The variety of cultural events, entertainment and activities provided a rich and diverse experience for everyone involved. Overall, the celebratory events of Gangwon 2024 left a lasting impression on me as a perfect blend of sports, entertainment and celebration of athletic achievement.

Shafi: I think the preparation was done well. I remember that even for a volunteer position, it took almost six months for application screening. In Pyeongchang-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, I got to see the famous K-pop artist HWASA at the opening ceremony and met great athletes. It was a lifetime experience for me.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.