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In 2003, when Vancouver won the Winter Olympic bid, most students were not contemplating what they would be doing in 2010. Pia Antturi, however, a recent Trinity Western University grad, applied to volunteer for the Winter
Olympic Games.

During the first call for volunteers, Antturi expressed her interest and now is volunteering to be a part of something she terms as “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Antturi’s position will be as member of the volunteer work force in the Whistler Media Center. This location will be busy due to the fact that the mountains will be one of two sources of media fed to the rest of world. The volunteers essentially ensure that everything will run smoothly with the media and in the center walls.

“In a lot of ways it is going to be about interacting with other people and seeing if they are happy, and making sure their jobs are going well,” says Antturi. “Having the background in communications and media will help me understand what is going on and that is one way Trinity has prepared me
for this.”

Overall, the volunteer position has flexibility as one of its main characteristics, meaning that when it comes down to “game” time specific tasks may change but everyone will work together. “Volunteers are really the backbone of the games,” says Antturi.

With the Winter Olympic Games merely days away, it is still unclear the impact it will have on Vancouver or our lives. When asked what role her Christian perspective would play in her position, Anturri says, “If I can express the joy and peace of my faith and extend that to those around me in what will likely be a hectic environment, then I will be satisfied. Working with a smile on my face and a positive attitude will only enhance the long days for those around me and ultimately, make the Games an all around better place.”

Like others who are happy to have the Games and the venues in their backyard, Antturi looks forward to immersing herself in the spirit of the Games and volunteering is her way of
contributing.