It’s cool to be ice sweepers, say sisters
Tan siblings also have to collect gifts thrown onto rink
PETALING JAYA: Nine-year-old ice skater Macey Tan is probably one of the youngest volunteers at the SEA Games 2017.
Together with her sister Marion Tan, 11, the girls are tasked to be the ice sweepers at the Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium (My NISS) for the figure skating programmes.
The Tan sisters are among the sweepers who swoop in and clear the ice as quickly as they can after every athlete’s performance on the rink.
They are even tasked with keeping the rink “clear” for the next participant.
The ice sweepers, who are also known as the “flower girls”, swiftly skate across the rink and help the athletes to collect flowers, teddy bears and gifts thrown by the fans.
“It is fun. I don’t feel like I am working. I would want to be a volunteer again, if given the chance!” Macey said cheekily.
Her sister Marion said that volunteering has given them the opportunity to witness some great performances by the best skaters from the region.
“And skating is something we like to do too.
“We also feel proud and honoured to be part of the programme as this is the first time winter sports is included in the SEA Games,” she added.
However, being an ice sweeper is not easy as skating skills are required so that one can easily manoeuvre one’s way on the rink.
Both the sisters said they picked up ice skating after participating in a three-day holiday course when Macey was only seven years old and Marion was nine.
For Macey, one of her unforgettable moments while volunteering was when she saw Julian Yee, Malaysia’s figure skating champion, win the gold medal.
“Everyone was so happy and excited for him. He got a lot of gifts that day.
“We had to go to the rink twice to collect all his gifts.
“We are proud of him,” added Marion.
Apart from the opening ceremony, the Tan sisters are also involved in performances during the closing ceremony for the winter sports events.
A total of 9,000 people volunteered for the SEA Games, while 4,000 more would help out during the Asean Para Games.
We also feel proud and honoured to be part of the programme as this is the first time winter sports is included in the SEA Games. Marion Tan