August 05, 2015 marked the one year countdown until the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These Games will be held Aug. 05-21 2016, and will the first Games in Olympic history to be held in South America.
The Olympic spirt has been a part of my life since watching my first Games on television in 2000, as Sydney hosted the Games. I was a 10 year old boy, growing up in a West Texas town of 800 people, with a passion for sports and the Olympic movement. Because of the Olympic Games, I began training at age 11 in Track/Field with hopes of one day making Team USA in Athletics. With much success in my young athletic career, I transitioned to long track speed skating at age 16. My sites were now set on the Winter Olympic Games. After a few seasons of competitive skating, I decided to retire from my athletic career at age 20 in order to pursue a career in the Sports and Entertainment Industry.
After a few years of developing my career in Sports, I had the opportunity to apply for the Rio 2016 Volunteer program. In the summer of 2014, I submitted my application to the Rio 2016 committee, and began my Rio 2016 journey. This Olympic journey is different for me, as I'll be participating in an Olympic Games as a contributor rather than an athlete. I always knew I was going to make it to the Olympics, so it's fascinating to see this journey unfold in a unique, but rewarding way!
The application process for the Volunteer Program has been a smooth and educating process. All applicants were required to submit an application, pass all dynamic courses (Olympic/Host city education, Venue Training, etc.), and complete at least two language levelling courses. Once all these required online courses were complete, the applicant is invited to an interview. The Brazilian people were the first to be interview, as selection centers were opened all through Brazil beginning in March 2015. If you were an international applicant, then the interview would be conducted via Skype beginning in July 2015.
Out of error, the Rio 2016 committee sent me an invitation to participate in an interview at the Selection center in Rio de Janeiro in May 2015. Note that since I am an international applicant (American), my interview was supposed to be conduct via Skype in July 2015. I contacted the committee, and asked if I could attend the interview in Brazil. I thought this would be a great time to experience Brazil, and its culture before the Games. The committee allowed me to accept the interview invitation, but notified me that the interview would be in Portuguese. So for the three months leading up to my interview in Rio (March-May), I studied the language every chance I had!
In May 2015, I made the 14 hour journey from Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro and successfully completed my interview in Portuguese! It was an incredible experience as I was able to witness the city transforming for the Games in-person. I was able to immerse myself in the Brazilian culture, and made many friends along the way. I am ecstatic to return to Rio for the Games!
I will know the status of my application, and my position for the Olympic Games in November 2015.
The Olympic spirt has been a part of my life since watching my first Games on television in 2000, as Sydney hosted the Games. I was a 10 year old boy, growing up in a West Texas town of 800 people, with a passion for sports and the Olympic movement. Because of the Olympic Games, I began training at age 11 in Track/Field with hopes of one day making Team USA in Athletics. With much success in my young athletic career, I transitioned to long track speed skating at age 16. My sites were now set on the Winter Olympic Games. After a few seasons of competitive skating, I decided to retire from my athletic career at age 20 in order to pursue a career in the Sports and Entertainment Industry.
After a few years of developing my career in Sports, I had the opportunity to apply for the Rio 2016 Volunteer program. In the summer of 2014, I submitted my application to the Rio 2016 committee, and began my Rio 2016 journey. This Olympic journey is different for me, as I'll be participating in an Olympic Games as a contributor rather than an athlete. I always knew I was going to make it to the Olympics, so it's fascinating to see this journey unfold in a unique, but rewarding way!
The application process for the Volunteer Program has been a smooth and educating process. All applicants were required to submit an application, pass all dynamic courses (Olympic/Host city education, Venue Training, etc.), and complete at least two language levelling courses. Once all these required online courses were complete, the applicant is invited to an interview. The Brazilian people were the first to be interview, as selection centers were opened all through Brazil beginning in March 2015. If you were an international applicant, then the interview would be conducted via Skype beginning in July 2015.
Out of error, the Rio 2016 committee sent me an invitation to participate in an interview at the Selection center in Rio de Janeiro in May 2015. Note that since I am an international applicant (American), my interview was supposed to be conduct via Skype in July 2015. I contacted the committee, and asked if I could attend the interview in Brazil. I thought this would be a great time to experience Brazil, and its culture before the Games. The committee allowed me to accept the interview invitation, but notified me that the interview would be in Portuguese. So for the three months leading up to my interview in Rio (March-May), I studied the language every chance I had!
In May 2015, I made the 14 hour journey from Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro and successfully completed my interview in Portuguese! It was an incredible experience as I was able to witness the city transforming for the Games in-person. I was able to immerse myself in the Brazilian culture, and made many friends along the way. I am ecstatic to return to Rio for the Games!
I will know the status of my application, and my position for the Olympic Games in November 2015.