Cambodian Volunteer to Bring Smile to Paris Olympics
Chinyean was chosen by NGO France Volontaires au Cambodge among candidates from French-language schools in Cambodia. Photo: ThmeyThmey
- By Kim Makara
- April 13, 2024 11:30 AM
PHNOM PENH – Loem Chinyean is one of eight Cambodians picked to volunteer at the 2024 Olympic Game in Paris. She said she will bring a Cambodian smile to the world event.
Chinyean was chosen by NGO France Volontaires au Cambodge among candidates from French-language schools in Cambodia.
A Battambang native, she is studying electrical skills at Child’s Smile or Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE), a non-governmental organization.
It is not her first time volunteering at such an event. The sport enthusiast was a volunteer at the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games last year in Cambodia.
She worked with a medical team for the Philippines contingent during the SEA Games and with VIP officials at the Para Games.
Loem Chinyean is one of eight Cambodians picked to volunteer at the 2024 Olympic Game in Paris. Photo: French Embassy in Phnom Penh
She faced many challenges at the May Games as she had to study at the same time. Her tasks included working as an interpreter as the Philippines medical team driver did not speak English.
“The team worked hard together and helped each other,” she said.
This experience is expected to help her in Paris but she is worried about her ability to communicate in French.
The 20-year-old said she could use English but her French was limited. She spoke enough for some daily tasks but not in a professional conversation.
Nonetheless, she is happy to be able to participate in Paris.
“It’s like a dream,” she said. “I hope to get more experience, learn from other cultures and exchange with others and to bring our smile and Cambodian pride to the world.”
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia says the volunteers will leave next week for six months.
The Summer Olympics will run from July 26 to Aug. 11 and the Paralympic events will be from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Official Olympic Phryges mascots are displayed in the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris on February 8, 2024. Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Torn Chanritheara for Cambodianess.
