For many athletes, winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of their careers, a dream they chase with unwavering determination. However, for one Malaysian woman, Andrea Wong, it wasn't about the gold medal, but rather the priceless experience of ticking off a dream from her bucket list.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Andrea shared her journey as a volunteer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She had always dreamed of being part of this prestigious event, and her time in Paris during July and August 2024 left her with memories that will last a lifetime.
Andrea noted that being an Olympic volunteer might sound glamorous, but it often involves simple tasks like helping spectators find their seats and watching the matches unfold. Despite the simplicity of the job, the experience was anything but ordinary for her.
To keep costs down, Andrea walked 30 minutes to the event venues, avoiding transportation expenses. Her volunteer work spanned nine days, with breaks in between, requiring her to stay in Paris for at least two weeks. The total cost for her adventure was approximately RM11,500, which included RM3,800 for airfare, RM6,500 for accommodation, and RM1,200 for food and drinks.
Andrea also shared valuable insights for those interested in volunteering at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The application required candidates to meet three key criteria: be 18 years old by January 1, 2024, communicate effectively in English or French, and be available for at least 10 days between the opening of the Athletes' Village and two days after the Paralympic Games closing.
The post garnered admiration from many who applauded Andrea's courage and enthusiasm. They agreed that such an experience is truly priceless, and eagerly look forward to hearing about her next adventure.
