Tag: #OnlyatGW

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What an Experience!

Thirteen days into the Olympics and still haven’t been able to find Snoop Dogg… Though in all seriousness, what an incredible experience this has been.  I always thought I was a big fan of the Olympics as I mentioned in an earlier blog I would have multiple screens watching as many sports as possible at one time, but being in Paris I have officially caught the Olympic bug in a new way.  Hearing the passion of guest speakers and seeing how they enjoy and find happiness in sharing their love for the Olympics is contagious.

After hearing from several phenomenal guest speakers, I have gained new insights into how a mega event like the Olympics operates which I find fascinating as an event professional in my daily life.  A highlight for me was touring the Olympic Club in the historic Pavyllon Paris – Yannick Alléno and meeting with Tanja Bollag, Head of Hospitality for the IOC, and Panos Tzivanidis, Director of Corporate Events and Services for the IOC.

I also attended my first Olympic events, which happened to be Beach Volleyball in the shadow of the Eiffel and Athletics, where I witnessed one of the fastest Men’s 100m races in history.  Both were incredible and electric experiences.  For beach volleyball a friend of mine and I purchased hospitality tickets to the event which included brunch in the Eiffel Tower lounge where we were able to enjoy high-end French cuisine and wines accompanied by soft piano music and a large screen broadcasting various sports of that morning.  After a few hours in the lounge, we were escorted down to the Eiffel Tour Stade to cheer on participating teams that morning.  We were lucky enough to see one of the US Women’s teams defeat a French team in the opening match as well as a Men’s match with a Team Netherlands win to Chile and a French team loss to Spain. 

Both Eiffel Tour Stade and Stade de France were packed to the brim and the crowds were electric.  Even in the blistering heat, it seemed that all of the fans were cheering for everyone in wins and losses and were just happy to be in attendance in such incredible venues.

Even with this experience nearing its end I feel like this has all been a dream and I am not ready to wake up.  I truly feel privileged and grateful to have this opportunity.

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Paris

Pat’s First Impressions

We made it! The Paris Olympics have begun and after two games marred by the impact of COVID-19 this city has proven that the Olympics are back and in full force. From the apparent and intense preparations this city and the organizing committee have done to the spectacular opening ceremony, it is clear Paris came to impress the world and showcase their rich and unique culture and history.

I landed in Paris with little travel issues and arrived at the hotel ready to take on Paris in full force. The first evening after arrival myself and a group of classmates made our way to Saint-Denis to watch a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay before its final day in Paris. Watching the torch relay was a great way to begin my time in Paris as it was the first instance where I realized I was at the Olympics and gave me a jolt of excitement and actualization that I was truly in Paris for the Olympics.

The next few days brought excitement and camaraderie among myself and the other individuals in the course as some of us watched the opening ceremonies together while sitting at a bar for over 6 hours and as we began our volunteer shifts. A number of volunteer opportunities arose outside of our USA House shifts including volunteering at the Olympian House which was open to past and present Olympians from all countries. The volunteer opportunities have been a great way to put ourselves out their and truly learn what the Olympic movement is all about and see how people come together to celebrate and support the Olympics.

The class also had our first few lectures from some spectacular speakers that gave us behind the scenes insights into how the Olympics operate whether it was from a sponsor, Olympic bid, or sporting perspective. Personally, the guest lectures from individuals who have been apart of the Olympic community for a while have been a highlight of the Games for me and I truly appreciate the time they have put into the Olympics as well as the time they have been able to share with us even with their busy schedules.

Tomorrow, I head to my first sporting event in person, Beach Volleyball, which is being played under the Eiffel Tower. I purchased the hospitality package for the event and hope that it lives up to my expectations and beyond. I can’t wait for what the rest of our time in Paris brings and I hope to see/meet Snoop Dogg.

***Originally posted on July 29.

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Paris

Pat’s Pre-Departure Thoughts

In three days on July 24, 2024 I will be departing Dulles airport heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics and am beyond grateful and excited to be awarded this opportunity to participate and witness these Games.  I have always been that person who would watch multiple events at one time moving televisions around my house and borrowing laptops to watch as much as possible only annoying my family, and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to witness the Olympics in-person.  With so much happening around the world I can’t help but be grateful for this opportunity and as an event professional I hope to gain new insights and learn how the International Olympic Committee, the Comité d’organisation des Jeux Olympiques Paris 2024, National Olympic Committees, sponsors, and various others plan, manage, and execute a mega event such as the Olympic Games, and hope to bring the knowledge gained back to my personal and professional life to share best practices and the Olympic Spirit. 

Traveling is something that has always been an interest of mine and I love experiencing different cultures, and have been fortunate enough to travel to countries on four continents.  Back in February 2016, I went on a solo trip through Europe for nearly two months backpacking where I stopped in Paris and I was able to see most of the sites and meet some spectacular strangers, but now I am looking forward to experiencing Paris through a new and different lens.

The schedule that we have while there looks pretty packed, but I am prepared to learn, see, and do as much as possible and just take in this experience and what it will offer.  I also purchased a hospitality package for Beach Volleyball as the matches will be played under the Eiffel Tower, and what better Parisian Olympic Experience can you get than that.  I like to tell friends and family that I purchased the hospitality package for “research purposes” since my term paper is on Hospitality at the Olympics, and in some ways that is true, but I truly think the idea of watching beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower is a once in a lifetime experience that I did not want to pass up.

This opportunity still doesn’t exactly feel real, but in a short time the idea and dream becomes a reality and I cannot wait.  Onward to Paris!