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Harness the spirit of Olympic volunteerism as a force for development
UN and BOCOG recognize contributions of volunteers to the Games and development
7 August 2008, Beijing--The United Nations in China and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) Volunteer Department hosted a high-level celebration on the eve of the opening of the 29th Olympiad to recognize the service of Beijing’s volunteers both in preparations for the Games and contributing to development in China.
Distinguish Guests in the last row: Mr Shen Qianfan, Deputy Director of BOCOG Volunteer Department and Vice Secretary General of the Beijing Youth League (BYL); Mr Dong Hong, Deputy Director General of China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE); Mr. Liu Jian, BOCOG Volunteer Dept Director and Beijing Youth League Secretary General; Mr Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China; Mr. Achim Steiner, United Nations Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Distinguish Guests in the second row: Ms Tessa Jowell, Minister of London and the Olympics; Volunteer representative Xiong Shujuan; Volunteer representative Liang Suhui; Volunteer representative Zhao Du; Volunteer representative Sun Fangchui; Ms Zhou Xun, actress and UNDP China National Goodwill Ambassador. The first row in the left: Ms Yang Yang, former Olympic champion, who is also the MC of the event
“No matter who wins the most medals at the Games, one thing is clear – these volunteers will win the hearts and minds of visitors to Beijing,” stated Achim Steiner, United Nations Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “Today it is our hope that through the deeds and stories of the Olympic volunteers, both at the Games and in service to their communities, we can inspire millions of others to volunteer.”
Four Olympic volunteers, ranging from 15 to 87 years old, recounted their experience in not only preparing for the Games but also in volunteering to serve their communities. The volunteers have been making a difference in the run up to the Games by serving to assist victims of the Wenchuan earthquake, leading environmental programmes and mentoring migrant youth living in cities.
Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China said, “By dedicating their time and talents in the service of others, these Olympic volunteers illustrate the powerful role that volunteers can play in assisting vulnerable groups of society.” Mr. Malik read on behalf of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon a statement of encouragement and appreciation addressed to the Beijing Olympic Volunteers.
Shen Qianfan, Deputy Director of BOCOG Volunteer Department and Vice Secretary-General of the Beijing Youth League (BYL) summarized the efforts of mobilizing well over one million venue, city and social volunteers to ensure a successful Olympic Games. Moreover, he pledged that BYL will make major efforts to harness the spirit of Olympic volunteerism as a force for development after the Games.
“Volunteers make real and significant contributions to social development and we will provide increased opportunities for meaningful ways to serve to their communities and country.”
Former Olympic Champion Yang Yang volunteered as Master of Ceremonies of the high-profile celebration and was joined by Zhou Xun, award winning actress and UNDP China National Goodwill Ambassador. “It is great to see people of all ages volunteering in events as important as the Olympics, and also making real differences to peoples’ lives, especially those who need it most,” said Ms Zhou.
Minister of London and Olympics Tessa Jowell encouraged the Olympic Volunteers to continue their service to others after the Games. Dong Hong, Deputy Director General of China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), emphasized his appreciation of the role of volunteerism in supporting the Games and helping others.
In the closing speech, Liang Wei, a senior BOCOG Official and member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, stated that one of the key legacies of the Games should be the increased participation of Beijing and Chinese citizens in volunteerism.
The Olympic volunteer programme showcases the strong emergence of volunteer culture in China. The skills learned in recruiting, training, motivating and managing the Olympic volunteers represent an enormous resource available for volunteer programmes in development fields such as environmental awareness, education and health after the Games.
Click here to download the news photos of the event.
For more information, please contact: Mr. John Floretta, Programme Manager, UN Volunteers, at 86 (10) 8532 0910 or john.floretta@undp.org
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