Filipino volunteers work behind the scenes in Paris 2024 Olympics

Metro Manila, Philippines– Nine Filipino volunteers took on the challenge of participating in a unique way at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

They joined the 45,000-strong volunteer support to make sure the Summer Games are successful.

They were chosen by the Philippine Sports Commission, in partnership with the French embassy and the France Volontaires-Philippines or Terre de Jeux program.

Two of them shared with NewsWatch Plus their journey to Paris.

Isaac Coloma said volunteering for the Olympics is a dream come true.

"This is such a big opportunity to be volunteering on the world’s biggest sports stage,” he said.

As a sports fan, Coloma said interacting with the best of the best in the sporting world was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Sobrang nakakataba ng puso na makita mo sila, how nice they are, how kind they are. It makes you more of a bigger sports fan,” said Coloma.

[Translation: Seeing them is so heartwarming, how nice they are, how kind they are. It makes you an even bigger sports fan.]

The 26-year-old volunteer was a former administrative staff in a school in the Philippines. He said he saw the application for volunteers online and took his shot.

Coloma recalled his experience joining the Philippine team during the opening ceremony parade.

"Napaka-surreal at indescribable ang feeling. Isa sa mga paborito ko ay noong parade, nakakakita ako ng mga Pilipino sa crowd na nagwagayway ng mga bandila nang buong pagmamalaki. Makikita mo ang ating mga atleta, at ako pa ang unang umiyak kaysa sa mga atleta,” he said.

[Translation: It felt so surreal and indescribable. One of my favorite moments was during the parade when I saw Filipinos in the crowd waving flags so proudly. You could see our athletes, and I was the first to cry even before the athletes did.]

Coloma said Filipino volunteers also cater to the concerns of other foreign athletes.

He said it was admirable seeing the dedication of Filipino athletes amid the challenges.

“The Filipino athletes are so inspiring; they are really giving their best. For example, we saw Hergie training in the parking lot outside the village. Yesterday, EJ Obiena arrived, and there were problems with his accreditation. We had to book him first, but I saw that he wasn't annoyed. He was super happy to be representing the Philippines,” Coloma said.

Jeneca Rombaon said she felt fortunate to be chosen as a volunteer in the Olympics.

“I applied for Paris 2024 because I wanted to participate in the biggest sports event in the world, hindi man atleta I will participate as a volunteer. I also love volunteering and helping others so it would be a great volunteering job and bonus po na nag aaral ako ng language na French,” she said.

[Translation: I applied for Paris 2024 because I wanted to participate in the biggest sports event in the world. Even though I'm not an athlete, I will participate as a volunteer. I also love volunteering and helping others, so it would be a great volunteering job. Plus, it's a bonus that I'm studying French.]

Rombaon said she is one with the Filipino people, also hoping that Filipino athletes will bring home an Olympic medal.

“I am looking forward na hindi lang ito yung pagkakataon na makakaparticipate ako sa Olympics kundi marami pa. And as part of the volunteers na tumutulong sa Philippine delegation, I am looking forward na magme medal ang Philippines.”

[Translation: I am looking forward to this not being the only opportunity I have to participate in the Olympics, but to many more. And as part of the volunteers helping the Philippine delegation, I am excited to see the Philippines win medals.]