The Impact of Web Tools

02.03.10
When I initially applied to be a Winter Games volunteer years ago the process was done via snail mail. Receiving information and updates from the organizing committee was a slow process. If I had timely questions I would have to make long-distance calls and be mindful of the time of day. Reflecting on the old process made me think about the effects Web tools have had on my volunteer experience this time around. I was able to submit my application online for the 2010 Games. I received my acceptance letter in the form of an e-mail. As an official worker, I was given a Web account on the VANOC site for use to access my training schedule, work schedule, receive instant updates, view FAQs and correspond with my supervisor.

I became a fan of the facebook page for Winter Games volunteers and I have met many wonderful people. Everyone eagerly swaps information and tips with one another about assignments, housing, etc. Those who have already arrived in Vancouver are passing along their firsthand knowledge through wall postings. Because of facebook, I can easily communicate in advance with fellow volunteers from all over the world at any time.

My friend Patrick, the tech genius, added a new App on my phone called WOW, which as soon as the Games officially launch will connect me to real-time Olympic news, weather conditions, medal count, events of the day and more. VANOC created a comprehensive and interactive Winter Games website for everyone loaded with video clips, game schedules, results, sports factoids, athlete's bios and more. You no longer have to wait for the Games to start and follow TV coverage to find out what's happening. The VANOC website provides you with basically an all-access pass, giving you a broader insider perspective of the process before, during and after the Games. All of these Web tools are a great addition!

50 Days

01.16.10
Fifty days left until I leave. I received my venue specific training assignment and work schedule today. At my training session I'll be introduced to the rest of the volunteer team I'll be working with during the Games, I'll receive key information about where I'll be working and I'll be given an extensive tour of the venue. Every time I receive an e-mail from VANOC with updates, I feel an indescribable level of excitement!

Paralympic Winter Games Factoids

01.09.10
Today, there are more than 21 million Americans with a physical disability, including thousands of military personnel who sustained serious injuries during active duty over the last few years.

There are five Paralympic sports categories:

Sledge Hockey

• Sledge hockey was introduced as a medal sport in the 1994 Lillehammer Games. More commonly known as sled hockey in the U.S., the sport has been played in this country since the late 1980s. Team USA won its first Paralympic medal in the sport - the gold medal - at the Salt Lake Games in 2002.
• Just as in ice hockey, sled hockey is played with six players (including a goalie) at a time. Players propel themselves on their sledge by use of spikes on the ends of two three-foot-long sticks, enabling a player to push himself as well as shoot and pass ambidextrously. Rinks and goals are regulation Olympic-size, and games consist of three 15-minute stop-time periods.
• Paralympic sled hockey competition is open to male athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation/limb loss, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.
  

Alpine Skiing (my volunteer assignment)

• Downhill racing started as a demonstration event at the 1980 Paralympic Games in Geilo, Norway. The giant slalom was first a demonstration event in 1984, and mono-skiing was introduced in the alpine and Nordic events in 1988 at the Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
• The alpine disciplines include the same events contested in Olympic competition: downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G.
• Paralympic alpine skiing competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

Biathlon

• Biathlon has been a part of the Paralympic Winter Games since 1992 in Tignes, France, where only the visually impaired and the standing classes competed. At Lillehammer in 1994, the sitting classes also participated. Biathletes compete using the freestyle technique.
• Biathlon combines elements of cross country skiing and sharp shooting. Athletes ski three 2.5 km loops (7.5 km total), stopping after the first two loops to shoot at five targets (10 targets total). One minute is added to the athlete's finishing time for each miss.

Cross Country Skiing

• Cross country events have been a part of the Paralympic Winter Games since the sport was first introduced at the Ornskjoldsvik (Sweden) Games in 1976.
• Cross country races range from 2.5 km to 20 km depending on disability and gender.
• Paralympic nordic skiing competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation/limb loss, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.
  

Wheelchair Curling

• Wheelchair curling made its debut at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino as a medal event.
• Unlike in Olympic curling, there is no sweeping.
• Paralympic wheelchair curling competition is open to male and female athletes. A player must have significant impairments in lower leg/gait function (e.g. spinal injury, MS, double leg amputation, etc.), so that a wheelchair is used for daily mobility – more specifically, those who are non-ambulant or can walk only very short distances. Determination of minimum disability and appropriate classification is made by authorized international sports classifiers.

Source: usparalympics.org

UPDATE: Eric Eales, a wheelchair curling expert from Canada, informed me that the current wheelchair curling rules are under discussion to possibly change after April 2010. To check out his blog go to http://wheelchaircurlingblog.blogspot.com/. Thanks Eric!

To donate to the U.S. Paralympics go to ... https://secure3.convio.net/usoc/site/Donation2?1722.donation=form1&df_id=1722.

Countdown to Vancouver

01.01.10
With only 65 days left until I leave for Vancouver I've been in preparation mode.

• As part of my Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) training I've had to learn about the history of the Olympics and Paralympics through a series of online tests.
• I underwent a comprehensive background check in order to receive my accreditation.
• I've received details about my official uniform that will be issued to me upon my arrival (it's super cool). I learned that I'm not allowed to be photographed with athletes or accept gifts while I'm in uniform.
• I went on a mini shopping spree to get some essential items I'll need such as a passport/ID holder to wear around my neck, quality long underwear, dry/warm Merrell boots and warm gloves that meet my uniform requirements.
• I booked my flight on Air Canada ... the cost was a little surprising. I learned the fare is calculated according to the current exchange rate and unfortunately the U.S. dollar isn't strong right now.
  
• I contacted my host Karin to confirm that I'll have Internet access and use of laundry facilities.
• I received my travel papers from VANOC stating the purpose of my visit to Vancouver for use when I arrive at customs.

Lots of things to absorb and do, but all worth it!

Northern Bound

12.23.09
For the past eight years I persistently applied to be volunteer for the Winter Games. A lifetime winter sports enthusiast, serving as a volunteer for the Winter Games has been at the top of my bucket list.

I am proud to say I finally made the cut! I received an offer today to be an attendant for the Paralympics. My job will entail assisting the athletes and coaches at Whistler Creekside, the venue for Alpine skiing. I was selected by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games out of more than 70,000 applicants.

I will be leaving on March 7 for training before the Games begin and returning on March 22. My host is a wonderful lady named Karin who lives in a historic home in West Vancouver.

I hope you enjoy following my journey through my blog. Go Team USA!

Image Credit: VANOC

Honoring a Hockey Legend

Sun., Dec. 28, 2008

My friend Melissa has access to season tickets to the Washington Capitals, center ice -- section 111, row s, seat 11. She invited me to watch the CAPS play the Maple Leafs. [Side Note: If I ever win the lottery and have years to wait for ticket availability, I would love to buy season tickets in that section!!! Dare to dream ...]

Before the game there was a ceremony retiring Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Gartner's No. 11 jersey, which means no CAPS player will ever be able to wear that number again. Gartner ranks second in CAPS history in goals (397), assists (392) and points (789). Also, he's only the fourth player in CAPS history to have his number retired.

It was a great spectator experience. They rolled out a red carpet on the ice for Gartner. His wife, children and son-in-law were by his side. Gartner was honored with a tribute video and was introduced by his former Capitals teammate, Wes Jarvis. "What stood out to all of us though was his passion and enthusiasm for the game of hockey. … Number 11 in my day, Number 8 with today’s team (Alex Ovechkin) -- two passionate players," said Jarvis.

After Gartner addressed the crowd, Capitals president Dick Patrick presented him with three special gifts from the team -- an oil painting by artist Michel Lapensee, a framed vintage No. 11 jersey and an engraved silver puck. Fellow retired number honorees Yvon Labre and Rod Langway and current Capitals captain Chris Clark assisted with the presentation. At the close of the ceremony a banner honoring Gartner and his number was raised to the Verizon Center rafters.

Ending on a high note that evening, the CAPS beat the Maple Leafs 4 to 1.

Holiday Time in D.C.

Fri., Dec. 12, 2008

I met my friend Karina in Washington, D.C., at the Willard to watch a holiday evening performance by Voce, a chamber choral group of 22 artists. A crowd of about 40 people stood in the extravagantly decorated lobby listening and chatting amongst each other. We stayed for about three songs and then wondered around the main level gazing at all adornments. The enormous Christmas tree in the center of the lobby was breathtaking. Another item that caught our attention was a gingerbread White House on display in the entrance of the hotel restaurant. It was created by their head pastry chef. The details of the structure were amazing.

Afterward we went to dinner at Cafe Mozart, deemed an authentic German restaurant by Karina (the facility also contains a German deli and bar). Karina's father served in the military and she had lived in Germany the bulk of her childhood. The atmosphere was quaint ... like a relative's home. The food was warm and delicious.

As a treat after dinner I ordered a Scotch Chocolate -- hot cocoa and butterscotch schnapps. Sooo tasty!!! It kept me warm as I scurried to catch the Metro home in the cold.