At the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the amazing athletic feats took centre stage but the games would not be possible without volunteers from around the world. Among them was Janice Rosenitsch, a Sutton sales representative from Mississauga, Ont., who volunteered at Canada Olympic House.

“It was incredible to meet some of the athletes and have a front row seat to hear their stories and feel their joy at the medal celebrations held in the Celebration Room at COH. I met family members of athletes who were so proud of their children. Everyone wore Canada clothing and shared in an amazing sense of pride,” says Rosenitsch.

The experience was not without its challenges. Rosenitsch had to find her own accommodation. Another hurdle was the language barrier. “Not many people speak English in Rio,” she says. “That made it very challenging when trying to explore the city, but the people of Brazil were very warm and welcoming. Pointing and gesturing usually worked quite well.”

Rosenitsch says she is looking forward to volunteering at the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo.