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The lot of a volunteer is not an easy one

By Zheng Caixiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-16 08:22

GUANGZHOU - Volunteers are doing all they can to help ensure a harmonious and smooth Asian Para Games.

"The Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games will not run smoothly or successfully without the selfless contribution of the large number of volunteers," said Guangzhou Mayor Wan Qingliang.

Wan said the special needs of participants had been pointed out to the volunteers before the games opened and a high standard of service has been provided.

"Volunteers are now working in every corner of the games to serve the athletes and make sure the event is running smoothly," Wan said.

At venues for sports like goal-ball and soccer, volunteers, sometimes, have to act as "silencers" to ensure the games are free of outside noises as visually-impaired athletes can only judge position of the ball through hearing.

To meet the needs of spectators with hearing impairment or speech disorders, sign language interpreters are on hand as well as interpretation services at most venues. And as those athletes who have visual impairment are not always able to run in the right direction during track events, volunteers have to guide them and serve as their navigators.

Medical classification volunteers also have to conduct accurate evaluation and classification of all athletes according to their impairment degrees or athletic abilities before each competition to ensure a fair and safe event.

During wheelchair basketball and soccer events, volunteers also have to be in position to help athletes take care of their wheelchairs after the athletes change to their special wheelchairs for the competitions.

China Daily

(China Daily 12/16/2010)