Ready, steady, Rio 2016!

Only a couple of hours left and the largest sport festival of the globe will officially open its doors with a grandiose ceremony. Certainly the upcoming two weeks will be unforgettable experience for many athletes, supporters, volunteers and people all around the world. I feel utmost privileged for having the opportunity to follow the happenings live in Rio at one of the main venues of the Games.

For me, the Olympic dream already commenced weeks ago. Mark, the American manager of the Language Service Team of the Athletics Stadium (called as Engenhão by locals) contacted me with an offer I could not refuse. As the member of this wonderful team I am facilitating the communication between the Olympic Family and different departments of the venue such as the media, doping department and medical services. In comparison to other volunteers we have regular contacts with athletes, managers and other members of the Olympic family and our role mainly involves assistance at press conferences, mixed zone interviews and other locations inside Engenhão. 

Everything started with accreditation and uniform pick-up the day after my arrival to Rio. When I was there the administration went pretty smoothly and I found the procedures well-organized and professional. Being the member of an operational team I received a yellow uniform, although the green one definitely fits me better... Moreover, I was spoiled with supplementary equipments and fancy little olympic gifts. On the same day I took part in a face-to-face training featuring sessions on the rules and regulations of the Games and key interpretation techniques.

As an Olympic volunteer I was offered the chance to take part in the main rehearsal of the Games’ opening ceremony. I went to the holy Maracana with other Hungarian volunteers to let the audience know we are here! People, this event is going to be spectacular! 

My shifts already started this week. Since Engenhão is one of the football venues, a couple of group games are organized here. Wednesday started with female football, Sweden vs South Africa and Brazil vs China. No needs to say, everyone was interested in the second game in which Brazil defeated its opponent with pleasing game and 2 fantastic goals.

Yesterday, there were even more supporters to see the Portugal-Argentina game which also ended with 2-0 for the young team of the European champions.

Certainly, you also want to hear about the circumstances and the local citizen's moral in the Olympic City. Well, Rio was invaded my supporters and the military at the same time. I have never seen such level of military preparedness: vessels cruising at Copacabana bay, helicopters all over the city and an uncountable number of soldiers, policemen and military vehicles on the streets. 

And a good advise for you, dear readers: Don’t always believe the media! In these days I have seen articles in the Hungarian and international media which depicts Rio de Janeiro as one of the burrows of hell. Certainly, the situation has never been easy here and the Games will not benefit the lowest strata of cariocan population at all. Pick pocketing and robbery are the Olympic sports for a tiny percent of Rio’s population but these pity crimes can be avoided with some precaution and common-sense. Furthermore, it’s not a secret to reveal that there are problems with the organisation, and especially the lack of forward-looking approach prevails. There are volunteer teams which do not have enough workforce and we were asked to help them out by giving directions for supporters.  

Nevertheless of these difficult circumstances Brazilians are trying to do their best to impress the world with their amazing culture and hospitality. In the shadow of the negative and offensive voices from international media many locals are extremely proud and excited about Rio hosting the Games this year. I need to stress the great amount of help which I received by Brazilians over these weeks. One thing for sure: Brazilians promised the greatest celebration on earth and there is no doubt they are the experts of this topic!  So let this olympic craziness begin!