Gao Yining is one of the urban volunteers at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and a master student at Tsinghua PBCSF.

“When Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008, I was still in primary school. I was so excited to watch the opening ceremony from our old TV”, said Yining, “I clearly remembered the amazing fireworks, the performance by Chinese traditional percussion instrument, the air-walking torchbearer... It was then I came to know that the Olympics was more than just sports. It shows the world a more open, and more harmonious China. It tells China’s story to the world.” 

“It was an unforgettable experience to volunteer at the 2022 Olympics 14 years later. It fulfils my childhood dream”, said Yining.

In order to ensure orderly volunteer work, it requires a group of good-mannered, mindful and well-qualified volunteers to work together. Yining worked hard with her team. She actively joined the volunteer work as the executive group leader of the 3rd guide group, providing services including drop-off and entrance guidance, temperature checking, ticket checking, and exit guidance at Wukesong Sports Centre. Her group, with more than 300 volunteers and a total service time of about 1,000 hours, ensured the audience's safe and orderly entry and exit.

“It took the collaboration of the whole group, as well as the careful planning and organization, to finish one simple task.”, said Yining.

As a finance student, Yining also explored her own way to support the Winter Olympics. In social practice activity at Tsinghua PBCSF. Yining served as the team leader and led the team members to introduce the role of finance in 2022 Winter Olympics, which included group seminar, enterprise visits, alumni interviews, and group movie viewing. 

Gao Yining hosting the Winter Olympics Digital RMB Pilot Online Seminar

Gao Yining volunteering at the Winter Olympics

“There are many valuable memories.”, she said.

She would still recall the excitement witnessing the rehearsal of the opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest, more astonishing than 14 years ago. Though worn out and tired, she felt honored and proud wearing the colorful down volunteer jacket. “There were always warm greetings and encouragement from strangers at school, the extra spoonful of food from the canteen staff...”

“The precious moments will become my exclusive Winter Olympics memory. It warms me and inspires me to live up to my life.”, said Yining.

By Zhang Shiyu