Volunteering at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics: A Life-Changing Experience

Thanks to the unwavering support of the Ghana Tennis Federation, I had the incredible opportunity to be selected by France Volunteer Ghana to participate in the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics as a volunteer. This once-in-a-lifetime experience also included a seven-month sports development and training program in France, hosted by the organization UFOLEP.

As part of this civic service voluntary mission, I was assigned to CISP Ravel in Paris. At the center, I worked on organizing fun activities for young people and the public, while also teaching kids the fundamentals of tennis. The experience was both rewarding and inspiring, as I witnessed the power of sports to bring people together across cultural and geographical divides.

One of the most memorable aspects of my journey was volunteering at the 2024 Olympic Fun Zone. I welcomed visitors, engaged children in fun games, and facilitated various sports activities. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to contribute to the vibrant spirit of the Olympics while creating lasting memories for participants.

Another highlight was the opportunity to meet Ghana’s former President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, along with his entourage and other prominent officials, including Mr. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. These interactions emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Ghana and France to foster mutual development and collaboration.

Now back in Ghana, I feel incredibly inspired and motivated to apply the knowledge and skills I gained to support the development of sports, climate action, and youth empowerment. This experience has broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to bridging the gap between Africa and the Western world through impactful initiatives.

As I embark on this next chapter, I am eager to leverage my experiences to drive positive change in my community and contribute to Ghana’s growth. My immediate plans include launching sports development initiatives to inspire and nurture young talent, integrating life skills and climate education into youth programs, and collaborating with local and international organizations to promote sustainable development. I also aim to advocate for stronger ties between Ghana and France to create more opportunities for cultural exchange and capacity building. Additionally, I plan to use the rich network I have built to mentor young people, foster leadership, and champion inclusive development across various sectors. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, and I am committed to making a lasting impact in sports, climate action, and youth empowerment.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Ghana Tennis Federation, the French government, the French Embassy in Ghana, France Volunteer Ghana, UFOLEP, and Frontline for Climate Action and colleague volunteers for their invaluable roles in making this journey a reality. Their support has profoundly shaped my outlook and aspirations.

By: Rauf Norfam

Volunteer: Frontline for Climate Action

frontlineclimateaction@gmail.com