If there is one saying I have heard that describes the organization of the Olympics, it is “It takes a village.” I got this from Rebecca Perez, one of our guest speakers and a business venue operator. From what I have learned, nothing is perfect until the end of the Olympics.
Volunteering at the Team USA House for the first time gave me hands-on experience working in the Olympics. The USA House is spectacular, and the level of hospitality served is beyond anything I have seen before. During my first shift on Saturday, I recognized how important it is for Olympians, sponsors, and the public to have a gathering place all for Team USA. Everyone there is so kind and accommodating. It really does take a village to make the experience that one will never forget.
On Monday, I attended my first event, beach volleyball, at the Eiffel Tour Stade or Eiffel Tower Stadium. When I was on the metro, I looked up at the stops the train was going to next, and the stop for my destination had Eiffel Tour Stade written beneath it. Every venue was highlighted for each train stop to help spectators’ transportation to their events.
The Eiffel Tour Stade was unbelievable. It was incredible to watch a USA vs. France beach volleyball match surrounded by a venue with mostly Team France fans and a view of the Eiffel Tower. The experience got even better when the USA crushed France in two sets. The Eiffel Tour Stade is one of the city’s greatest accomplishments as a host for the Olympics.
Another feature the Paris 2024 provided is the sports clubs that are free and open to the public. My roommates and I passed a sports club when touring near the Notre Dame Cathedral. The club had a large screen playing the equestrian events, volleyball courts, food, and an official Paris 2024 shop. These spaces were built to include the community in more ways than purchasing event tickets, hospitality packages, or team houses. It was exciting to watch people play badminton with their families or strangers.
It takes a village to make the Olympics. From the athletes winning gold to the volunteers greeting guests at the front gates, it builds a community like no other.