Volunteers take a selfie with a Japanese athlete at Harbin airport on Wednesday. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY
As the Asian Winter Games are set to get underway in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, both the city and event organizers are ready to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from around the globe. Among them, an army of volunteers stands poised to provide professional and enthusiastic services, aiming to create lasting memories with their warm smiles and meticulous support.
The Games recruited an international cohort of volunteers, receiving more than 100,000 applications. After a rigorous selection process, including interviews and screenings, 6,000 volunteers were selected.
The volunteers hail from across China, with a strong representation from universities in Heilongjiang, as well as over 400 international students, representing 22 countries and regions.
Around a quarter of the volunteers have previous experience, having served at major events, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, Beijing Winter Olympics and last summer's Paris Olympics.
Nearly 500 of the volunteers are skilled in skiing, and others bring expertise from 35 specialized areas, including medical support, information services and media relations.
Han Cong and Sui Wenjing, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics pairs figure skating champions and Harbin natives, have been appointed as the ambassadors for the volunteer service at the 9th Asian Winter Games.
"We are incredibly proud to be named ambassadors of the Games in our hometown," said Sui. "It's an honor, and we're committed to doing everything we can to bring attention and pride to Harbin, ensuring it continues to shine on the world stage."
For this year's Games, a practical approach was taken in preparing volunteers, who participated in 50 specialized courses covering areas such as competition services and award ceremony etiquette. In total, more than 100 training sessions have been held, spanning general knowledge, professional skills and job-specific preparation.
During the recently concluded test events, volunteers not only provided expert and thoughtful service, but also honed their real-world skills. Their efforts reflect the vibrant energy of China's youth, earning praise from the Olympic Council of Asia, international delegations and various other sectors.
City volunteers began their work well before the start of the Games, with their busy presence seen throughout Harbin's scenic spots, shopping districts, subway stations and other key areas.
More than 20,000 city volunteers are stationed throughout key areas. Their responsibilities include traffic guidance, site introductions and general assistance, all aimed at ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors.
Volunteers are easily identifiable in their Asian Winter Games-themed vests, with many stationed at iconic landmarks like Central Street and St. Sophia Cathedral.
Whether directing pedestrians or offering insights about local attractions, the volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. Some, fluent in foreign languages, provide additional support to international guests, answering questions and offering cultural insights.
Volunteer staff at the Main Media Center offer assistance to guests. XINHUA
Zhang Limei, a city volunteer, explained: "More than 220 volunteers rotate shifts here, with three shifts a day. We provide visitors with the information they need, such as directions, tourist spots, and bus schedules."
Shi Xiaojin, another volunteer, shared that the experience has also been a personal growth opportunity. "My language skills have greatly improved through communication with foreign visitors. We exchanged cultural experiences, and many expressed high praise for Harbin."
Wang Siyu, a textile engineering major at Qiqihar University, heads the volunteer service station at Harbin West Railway Station. With over 200 hours of service under her belt, she is known for being the first to arrive and the last to leave each day.
Wang ensures the station is well-stocked with supplies, including cold-weather gear and promotional materials. She also mentors new volunteers, guiding them through their tasks and offering advice based on her extensive experience.
In a bid to enhance convenience and warmth for athletes, visitors and locals during the Asian Winter Games, Harbin has set up 56 volunteer service kiosks across the city.
Located near major sports venues, these service points extend into bustling commercial districts and tourist attractions. Strategically placed in high-traffic areas, such as competition and non-competition venues, popular shopping areas, scenic spots and transportation hubs, the kiosks are positioned to assist visitors throughout the Games.
According to an official from Harbin's urban management bureau, the service kiosks are not only designed as hubs for volunteers to offer their assistance, but also to provide a variety of services, including information consultation, emergency aid and civil guidance.
Whether it's helping tourists navigate the city's attractions, or offering quick responses to people in need, the kiosks ensure immediate support. Additionally, they offer a comfortable resting place for the volunteers working tirelessly throughout the event, the official said.
Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
