Sarah Rennie –
Few people enjoy the Olympics as much as St-Anicet native Charles Gascon. So much so, that when the opportunity arose to travel with the Canadian delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea next month, he didn’t even think twice. And while he may not find himself at top the podium while working as a volunteer at Canada House in the Olympic Village, he will surely rub shoulders with at least a few of our athletes and medalists throughout the two-week long Games.
After contacting the Canadian Olympic Committee last November to inquire about volunteer positions for the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan, he was told a position was still available for the Pyeongchang Games. After a quick reorganization of his student schedule working to complete a Masters degree, he was able to commit to roughly 90 hours of volunteer work over the 17 days of competition at the Games.
“For me, it is mainly about living the Olympic experience,” says Gascon. “It’s a passion I’ve had since I was very young,” he adds, while noting he is especially curious to see how a city adapts to the pace of the Olympics. The Games are officially taking place in Pyeongchang, however the majority of the indoor sports (curling, hockey, speed skating, figure skating) will take place in a neighbouring town called Gangneung, which is comparable in size to Gatineau. “It fascinates me to imagine that such a small community is able to receive such an important event, says Gascon, who admits he is especially excited to learn more about the organization components behind the Games.
A front row seat
When not volunteering at Canada House, Gascon admits to treating himself. “I am a big fan of Olympic sports. For me, while being there, it was not an option to visit the competition sites,” he says. During the Games, Gascon will cheer on the Canadians live during the finals of the Men’s Moguls event, Women’s Luge, several Speed Skating finals, the Ice Dance final, and the Women’s Gold Medal Hockey game.
Of all the athletes, he is especially looking forward to seeing Mikaël Kingsbury compete in the moguls. He is also curious to see the men’s hockey tournament without the world’s best players. “Imagine if we win the tournament, despite the absence of NHL players. I don’t think we could be more proud.”
Magical moments
“The Games often produce magical little moments that are unexpected…surprises or underwhelming performances,” he notes. Suggesting he is also looking forward to seeing the North Korean figure skaters perform to the music of Ginette Reno.
Gascon is leaving on February 4 and will return on March 1. He plans to travel in Korea, and will spend a day in China on his way home. He hopes to make friends while there, and has been avidly practicing his Korean in advance of his voyage. Needless to say, for Gascon, it will be the trip of a lifetime.
