Being able to witness the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for some, it’s even worth more than the price tag that comes with it.
For travel influencer Andrea Wong, the memories she made during her time volunteering at the 2024 Paris Olympics are priceless—and she wouldn’t trade them for the world!
Photo via Facebook (Andrea Wong)
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Andrea shared how she spent around RM11,500 to fulfill her dream of being part of the Olympics, describing it as one of the greatest highlights of her life. Though it was her fourth time visiting Paris, this trip was unlike any other. The city she loved became even more magical during the Games, making her experience truly unforgettable.
Volunteering at the Olympics was not just about the role she played—it was about checking off a personal goal from her bucket list. Andrea’s duties were simple; she helped guide spectators to their seats at the Stade de France. But for her, this task was so much more than it seemed. "I just wanted to earn the experience of becoming an Olympic volunteer," she shared. "On my last day, I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy. It felt like I was living in a dream."
Out of over 300,000 applicants, Andrea was one of the 45,000 volunteers chosen to help make the Games happen. The gratitude she felt for being part of such a prestigious event left her emotional. “I couldn’t believe my luck,” she added. “Being there was worth every penny.”
Andrea broke down her costs—RM3,800 for return flights, RM6,500 for accommodation, and RM1,200 for meals—all of which she paid for herself. She also found an Airbnb just a 30-minute walk from the venue, making her daily commute an easy stroll through the city she adored.
Over two weeks, Andrea worked nine days, taking in the incredible atmosphere of the Games and soaking up the vibrant energy of Paris during the world’s most celebrated sporting event. For her, the experience was priceless.
2024年7-8月分,也是一个我人生中的Highlight,因为我又实现了我人生的愿望清单之一...
Posted by Andrea Wong on Saturday 10 August 2024
"Thank you, Paris, and thank you, Olympics, for giving me such a beautiful memory," she concluded, her heart full of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something so extraordinary.