An Interview with Olympic Volunteer Liang Zhao

by: Stephanie Trabold



While on spring break in Beijing, China, Stephanie Trabold had the opportunity to visit the Bird’s Nest, home of the 2008 summer Olympic games. Trabold had interviewed tour guide Liang “Simon” Zhao. Zhao explains his personal volunteer experiences in the massive Olympic family and the impact the games have had on China.



ST: What was your position?

LZ: I was a volunteer with the Olympic Committee during the Beijing 2008 summer games. I was the translator and lesion for the president of Canadian Manual life. Canadian Manual Life was a five-time sponsor for the Olympic games. It was a very important spot.

ST: How did you get the opportunity to work at the Olympic Games?

LZ: A friend had told me about the opportunity. I filled out the online application and was accepted.

ST: Wow. The application was open to the public?

LZ: Yes. Anyone could have applied. The local government was even encouraging university students to volunteer, so they could improve their English. The Olympic committee would offer training through a series of tests, and depending on the degree of one’s English skills would determine his/ her placement.

ST: Have the Olympics benefited any local industries?

LZ: The tourism industry was highly impacted. During the games, it was harder to get a tourism Visa into the country because of the security. Local businesses were able to connect with Olympic sponsors. Many foreign companies were connected to the locals as a result of the bigger Olympic sponsors.

ST: How have the Olympics changed China if at all?

LZ: Before the games, people didn’t really see the climate and living conditions as a problem. During the preparation for the Olympics, the government really took initiative to clean up the area. As a result, people can see the blue skies and more people are learning English. People wanted to learn as much English as possible to become a part of the Olympic family, and as a whole people are more cooperative.

ST: What was the biggest highlight for you?

LZ: I got to see some of the stadium events live and for free. Also while working for Canadian Manual Life, I was given a special access badge that allowed me to be in the same room as President George W. Bush.