Kristy McGregor-Bales is a third-year Recreation Management
student at Dal and plays centre-back for the women’s Tigers
soccer team. She’s currently volunteering at the Sochi Winter
Games in Russia and offered to write about her experience.
My bucket list included going to the Olympic Games, and my Grandma
left me some money for an adventure of a lifetime, so I decided to
take a light winter semester courseload online, hit the road and
volunteer with the Canadian Olympic Team at the Winter Games.
My journey to Sochi involved a quick pit stop in Barcelona to
paddleboard on the Mediterranean Sea and watch a FC Barcelona
match, after which I arrived in Sochi on January 30. I immediately
sprung into action, helping out with the preparations before the
arrival of the athletes. The Canadian Team is the largest ever at a
Winter Games, and there was high hopes of Canada finishing first in
medals.
I have volunteered each day at Canada Olympic House (COH), located
inside the Olympic Park. It is a place reserved for family and
friends of Olympians. Athletes perform better when they are not
worried about their family being looked after, so that’s what
we do at COH — provide a home away from home.
Some tasks I have been a part of at COH include providing tips on
Sochi to athletes’ families and friends, working on special
events that COH puts on and selling Canadian merchandise. I
have also been bartending, which has given me the opportunity to
talk with lots of athletes and their family members. I have served
a number of Olympic medalists and even some NHLers (don’t
worry — not on game day).
I have assisted with outfitting as well — helping our
athletes get the clothing sizes they need so they could look great
marching in on opening ceremonies. From where I was watching, Team
Canada looked spectacular.
It has been a great experience so far. I have scanned my passport
in the Molson beer fridge, taken freestyle silver medalist Mikeal
Kingsbury out for lunch, watched short track speedskater Charles
Hamelin win gold in the 1,500 metres, and shuttled Chloe and
Justine Dufour-Lapointe’s parents back to their hotel after
their daughters won gold and silver. We have had some inspiring
performances, and some heartbreaking moments.
The weather has been great, though it seems more like a Summer
Games, with palm trees everywhere! The venues are spectacular, and
the Russians have been warm and friendly.
I am incredible proud to be a Canadian and so lucky to be able to
contribute is a small way to the success of the team. Looking
forward to a strong finish at the Games!