PH to send volunteers

The Philippines will not only be represented by athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, but also in the field of volunteerism.

This, after nine Filipinos including two persons with disabilities (PWDS) will leave for France on May 8 as part of the 45,000 people that will be [art of the backbone of the successful staging of the world’s biggest sporting event.

“Nakaka-proud kasi we all know that volunteerism is part of our DNA. Ito yung chance kung paano natin ipakita yon at ipakita din na hindi lang tayo ang recipient of aid, we can do so much in a global field,” said Nanette Repalpa, national representative for France Volontaires Philippines.

As part of the volunteers’ preparations, the Philippine Sports Commission, in partnership with the French embassy and the France Volontaires-philippines, conducted a volunteer training course last April 25 to 26.

Volunteers were taught about French culture as part of their preparation as Committee Assistants and Sports Facilitators in different sports associations, and what can be expected not only during the Olympics and Paralympics but also during the eight- to 10-month duration of their volunteering.

The two-day training course was also participated by former PSC commissioner Akiko Thomson-guevera, and Olympians Stephen Fernandez, Elaine Alora and Jenny Guerrero.

“Being a PWD volunteering in the grandest sporting event, isang malaking opportunity and inspiration kasi makikita yung mga PWDS na goal-oriented sa Olympics. Sana ma-inspire din yung mga kagaya ko, especially the Filipinos PWDS, na kahit PWD ka, you’re more than capable of volunteering in this event,” said Brylle Samgel Arombo, one of the two PWDS joining the program along with Daisy Jane Ortega.