In November 2001, I was selected from a field of 65,000 applicants for 25,000 volunteer positions to work in Accreditation at the Team 2002 Processing Center. I originally wanted to work in press operations at the main media center but rather than being put back in the general pool of volunteers I decided to accept this position.
I drove out to Salt Lake in late December 2001 and stayed with a family in Mona, Utah which was 75 miles south of Salt Lake. I volunteered for 10 days Jan. 2-12. I made the Accreditation badges and gave them out to volunteers,& helped distribute uniforms to the volunteers. This Team 2002 Processing Center was the first to close - 4 days after the games started.
Unfortunately, I left Utah on Jan 13, 2002, about a month before the games started. I missed the opening ceremonies dress rehearsal, a free concert, closing ceremonies and a party at the end of the games to honor the volunteers.
Before I left I was given a pin, watch, medallion and certificate in addition to the uniform which consisted of a green jacket, green vest, gloves & a black shirt.
Getting around Salt Lake City was difficult to me as streets were very long and numbered like 200 south, 100 west.
The family I was staying with took me out to show me the unfinished skiing venues in Park City, Deer Valley and Utah Olympic Park area. Also when I wasn't volunteering I saw the Delta Center, E Center, the speed skating venue, not to mention the Olympic stadium(Rice-Eccles) and torch enclosed in scaffolding.
I logged 6300 miles on a rented car for a three week period.
A great experience to say the least.
