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ON BEING A VANOC VOLLIE: BRENDA CHINN
Brenda Chinn, Operations Manager with CSC Pacific shares some of her experiences as a Games-time volunteer for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Q What does your VANOC Volunteer role encompass?
A I am an NOC Assistant: there are about 750 of us assigned to the various countries to assist them with their operations in Vancouver and Whistler. I have been assigned to Canada and there are 8 of us in Vancouver and 7 in Whistler. We work out of Team Canada’s Operations Office in the Athletes’ Village. Prior to the Canadian team’s arrival we were tasked with getting the Village ready which meant hanging flags, distributing and setting up extra furniture and televisions, and carrying out the “Home Suite Home” plan which involved leaving notes for the athletes and making the rooms look Canadian and feel like home. Once the Games began, we have been essentially helping the COC with logistics and driving.
Q What is the Athletes’ Village like?
A The Athletes’ Village is a little world within a world. It is quite exciting to see the athletes from the various countries but as a volunteer, we aren’t supposed to disturb them (i.e. strike up conversation, take photos, ask for autographs, etc). From all accounts this is the best Village there has ever been and the view of downtown with all of the activity around False Creek is breathtaking.
Q We heard a rumour that Sidney Crosby offered to help you with a box you were carrying! Which athletes have you had a chance to interact with? Have you had any cool experiences interacting with athletes?
A Yes, Sidney Crosby did offer to help me with some boxes! Aside from the NHL players, there are many outstanding Canadian athletes that we come across in the Canadian area. Due to the work of CSC Pacific, I have a bit of an edge from the other volunteers as I am familiar with many of the athletes and many know me so it is “ok” to strike up a conversation.
I think one of the funniest interactions was early in the Games when I was driving a group of figure skating athletes for the 2nd or 3rd time and there was a voice from the back of the car “Hello Brenda”. In an attempt to ignore the conversation that goes on in the vehicle (along the lines of what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas) I didn’t respond as I thought this person was talking on the phone. Then one of the guys yelled “Hey Brenda! Tessa is talking to you!”
Q How do you feel about being part of the 2010 Games?
A So far being part of the Games has been fantastic! Vancouver and Whistler have really stepped up to provide a great atmosphere for all of our international visitors. There have been some long hours but knowing that I am there helping Team Canada succeed in providing for all of the athletes and coaches has been rewarding. As the Olympics are winding down, I look forward to working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee in the similar role.
Q How would you describe the attitude/approach of Team Canada as they prepare and after they’ve finished competing?
A All of the athletes seem focussed on the job at hand. Even as some of the athletes finish with their events, many are still training for competitions following the Games. Of course those who have won medals are doing the media/sponsor tour but everything is upbeat and positive.
Q Have you had a chance to experience the Games as a spectator? What was the coolest event you attended?
A I have been fortunate enough to attend 5-6 different events and I would have to say being in the crowd when Alexandre Bilodeau won Canada’s first gold medal on home soil was electrifying! The crowd kept chanting Go Canada Go! While waiting for the scores of both Bilodeau and the athletes that followed.
Q Of all your major games volunteer experiences, which has been the best so far, and why?
A I think the Vancouver Games have been spectacular! The energy and excitement when walking downtown has been fantastic. Perhaps I am being a bit of a homer but I have never seen the city so alive. Canadians are finally showing their spirit: Paint the Town Red!
Brenda Chinn, Operations Manager with CSC Pacific shares some of her experiences as a Games-time volunteer for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Q What does your VANOC Volunteer role encompass?
A I am an NOC Assistant: there are about 750 of us assigned to the various countries to assist them with their operations in Vancouver and Whistler. I have been assigned to Canada and there are 8 of us in Vancouver and 7 in Whistler. We work out of Team Canada’s Operations Office in the Athletes’ Village. Prior to the Canadian team’s arrival we were tasked with getting the Village ready which meant hanging flags, distributing and setting up extra furniture and televisions, and carrying out the “Home Suite Home” plan which involved leaving notes for the athletes and making the rooms look Canadian and feel like home. Once the Games began, we have been essentially helping the COC with logistics and driving.
Q What is the Athletes’ Village like?
A The Athletes’ Village is a little world within a world. It is quite exciting to see the athletes from the various countries but as a volunteer, we aren’t supposed to disturb them (i.e. strike up conversation, take photos, ask for autographs, etc). From all accounts this is the best Village there has ever been and the view of downtown with all of the activity around False Creek is breathtaking.
Q We heard a rumour that Sidney Crosby offered to help you with a box you were carrying! Which athletes have you had a chance to interact with? Have you had any cool experiences interacting with athletes?
A Yes, Sidney Crosby did offer to help me with some boxes! Aside from the NHL players, there are many outstanding Canadian athletes that we come across in the Canadian area. Due to the work of CSC Pacific, I have a bit of an edge from the other volunteers as I am familiar with many of the athletes and many know me so it is “ok” to strike up a conversation.
I think one of the funniest interactions was early in the Games when I was driving a group of figure skating athletes for the 2nd or 3rd time and there was a voice from the back of the car “Hello Brenda”. In an attempt to ignore the conversation that goes on in the vehicle (along the lines of what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas) I didn’t respond as I thought this person was talking on the phone. Then one of the guys yelled “Hey Brenda! Tessa is talking to you!”
Q How do you feel about being part of the 2010 Games?
A So far being part of the Games has been fantastic! Vancouver and Whistler have really stepped up to provide a great atmosphere for all of our international visitors. There have been some long hours but knowing that I am there helping Team Canada succeed in providing for all of the athletes and coaches has been rewarding. As the Olympics are winding down, I look forward to working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee in the similar role.
Q How would you describe the attitude/approach of Team Canada as they prepare and after they’ve finished competing?
A All of the athletes seem focussed on the job at hand. Even as some of the athletes finish with their events, many are still training for competitions following the Games. Of course those who have won medals are doing the media/sponsor tour but everything is upbeat and positive.
Q Have you had a chance to experience the Games as a spectator? What was the coolest event you attended?
A I have been fortunate enough to attend 5-6 different events and I would have to say being in the crowd when Alexandre Bilodeau won Canada’s first gold medal on home soil was electrifying! The crowd kept chanting Go Canada Go! While waiting for the scores of both Bilodeau and the athletes that followed.
Q Of all your major games volunteer experiences, which has been the best so far, and why?
A I think the Vancouver Games have been spectacular! The energy and excitement when walking downtown has been fantastic. Perhaps I am being a bit of a homer but I have never seen the city so alive. Canadians are finally showing their spirit: Paint the Town Red!