Russian and Canadian volunteers today shared experience and knowledge of Olympic and Paralympic volunteering during the Winter Games at a high-profile event held in Capilano University, Vancouver.
The ceremony was attended by The Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development for the Province of British Columbia – who has played a key role in forging strong educational links between Sochi’s Krasnodar Region and British Columbia. Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, also attended and highlighted the importance of partnership in establishing a volunteering culture in Russia.
Twenty members of the Russian Volunteer Team from 17 different regions of Russia, including Sochi and the Krasnodar Region have come to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games to enhance Russian expertise of volunteering. They were joined by students from Capilano University who volunteered at Sochi World during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The Russian volunteers are students and graduates of the country’s leading universities – they all were selected by Sochi 2014 during a competition held across more than 50 regions in Russia. All Russian volunteers have extensive experience in organizing volunteer activities in their home regions and many play leading roles in large public organizations and society in general.
Following Vancouver 2010, members of the Sochi Volunteer Team will return to cities across Russia and champion the importance of developing a culture of volunteering throughout the country.
Today’s event forms part of Sochi 2014’s wider commitment to develop strong links with Russian and international universities. These institutions are excellent sources of volunteers and also enable Sochi 2014 to contribute to positive development by engaging with the worldwide academic community.
Speaking at the event in North Vancouver, Dmitry Chernyshenko President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:
"These volunteers, including our friends at Capilano University, have added their passion and enthusiasm to the hospitality and friendship here in Vancouver. They are experienced people of all ages and cultures who work hard and always keep smiling. They succeeded in creating a fantastic atmosphere during the Olympic Games and now ahead of the Paralympic Games.
"In everything that Sochi 2014 does, we aim to achieve excellence. That is why we are looking to engage with volunteers from across the world to incorporate international best practice."
