A unique experience: volunteering at the Paris 2024 Games!

Constance BIRON (Agriculture, 2021, Rouen), had the chance to live a unique experience this summer as a volunteer at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

During the Olympic Games, Constance was a team member at the Hockey-sur-Gazon competitions at the Yves du Manoir stadium, where she was right at the heart of the action. "The atmosphere was festive and family-oriented, a unique experience," she recounts. She welcomed between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators from the four corners of the globe, sometimes from countries as far away as Argentina, China and India. The volunteer often had to rely on her English to ensure fluid communication, and insists on the importance of mastering this language for such occasions: "English saved me more than once... a little message to motivate students to take the TOEIC!"

Although she wasn't able to watch the games in their entirety, as she was in charge of managing the flow of spectators, the former student was still lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some great action on the pitch.

At the end of August, Constance continued her commitment as a volunteer for the Paralympic Rowing Games. She took on the role of team member on the competition area, a 2,200-meter pool located in Vaires sur Marne, where she acts as Marshall. "Working in pairs, we look after the upkeep and use of the pool, making sure that everything runs smoothly in terms of safety and movement on the water. It's a privileged position, as I get to see the champions train very, very closely", she explains.

Constance also notes that the atmosphere and environment are different from her first, offering an equally enriching but distinct experience.

The Alumni took advantage of her free time to attend the para-athletics competitions at the Stade de France, a first for her.

Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us!