I have always thought of myself as of an unbelievably lucky and happy person because my life has been always filled with wonderful people and experiences. I believe that nothing in our lives is a coincidence, but everything is meant to happen in a certain way pointing our lives in some unexpected yet great directions. But when I applied for a Sochi 2014 volunteer position 3 years ago, I had no idea that I signed up for one of the greatest events in my life.
I was assigned to volunteer at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park, the venue where snowboard and freestyle competitions took place. My job was different every time – each morning every volunteer took out a random card with his duties for the shift. Mostly our jobs consisted of helping the guests to enter the venue and to solve their problems, giving out necessary information and just sharing bright mood. Every shift was very rewarding because people thanked me for helping them, everyone smiled back and I just felt that my mission of contributing to the spectators and staff comfort on the Olympics was very important too.
Being a part of the Olympic personnel is already a marvelous experience yet I was lucky enough to
be a viewer of the Opening ceremony. I sat on the third row and could see that astonishingly grandiose event with my own eyes almost at arm’s length! There are no words to describe what you feel when you are at the Fisht stadium along with 40 thousand other guests mesmerized by a beautiful show. You realize that you are a part of something of a great meaning not only for your country but also for the whole World. I think that the goal of the Organizing committee to show a modern Russia, open-minded yet still with unique culture was achieved at a 100% per cent.
Besides Opening Ceremony I attended the Ladies’ Speed Skating and the Figure skating finals. Russian athletes received medals at the both events. Frankly speaking, I have never felt more proud of my country than at those competitions. The stands were so supportive of every sportsman and you could feel how every spectator was worried for each athlete. I think that partly explains incredible success of the Russian team which got 33 medals and received the first place.
The Olympic Games not only united the World, but also the families. I knew that my dad’s cousin lived in Sochi, but since the last visit 13 years ago our families have not really been in touch. Luckily, I got a chance to meet with my dad’s cousin and his children who already have their own families. We spent the whole day together as if I have always been a part of them. I feel so grateful that the Olympics also connected me with my relatives.
Three weeks that I spent in Sochi flew by as one day. I am actually still sad that the Games we have been waiting for so long are over. Sochi will now be a legend and a life example of how hospitable and friendly my beloved home country is.
Ekaterina Androsovich’11
