Peking University, February 21, 2022: On February 20, the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was held at The National Stadium. In recognition of their hard work, Olympic volunteers were presented with gifts by Martin Fourcade of Team France. Li Kar Hing, a girl from Hong Kong SAR who is currently studying at School of International Studies of Peking University, served as one of the six volunteer representa1tives who accepted the gift on behalf of the volunteer force. As she donned the iconic blue-white attire for one last time and waved in high spirits to a buzzing crowd, Kar Hing stood at the centre of the world's attention, embodying many things at once – the bloom of youth, the tenacity and welcoming spirit of the Olympic family, and the pride and joy of her nation


A shared destiny with Beijing 2022

During the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, Li Kar Hing works as a stadium concierge volunteer at the Ice Cube. She is currently very busy in her post, receiving guests from different countries every day. Kar Hing, who has been enamored with ice and snow since childhood, has followed her dreams through volunteering for the Winter Olympics.

“ I was first motivated by a promise made in 2012, on the day of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. I was there in London as I was attending summer school, though we had no tickets to attend the ceremony. At last, we stayed in a small room and enjoyed the event with the help of a projector. I was still impressed and remarked by the strong emotions when the Chinese delegation and Hong Kong delegation entered the field. The fact that I couldn't cheer for them on the spot disappointed me for a while, and so I told myself I would try my best to attend the next Olympic Games in person.”


 It was 2019 when Beijing 2022 started volunteer applications. Kar Hing wanted to be involved in this tremendous event in a closer distance and with a stronger connection, and promptly submitted her application. "I hope my country can showcase its spirit and sentiments to the world through the Winter Olympics and tell the Chinese story well."


On the evening of February 4, Kar Hing had the honor of watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. She said that the opening ceremony combined China's beauty, the country's enthusiasm for winter sports, and a warm welcome to guests from all over the world into an exquisite grandeur of ice and snow. The words "Give Peace a Chance" spoken by Mr. Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, also left a lasting impression. "This is just like how every guest I have received at the venue, regardless of their nationality and affiliation, never hesitated to smile and show their goodwill. I believe this is the significance of hosting the Olympics," Kar Hing said.

In the post: life as a concierge volunteer

In fact, Kar Hing had already volunteered at the Ice Cube during the "Meet in Beijing" 2021 World Wheelchair Curling Championships last October, where she was mainly responsible for the reception of the Chinese team. What touched her was that on the last day of the test competition, the manager of her professional domain prepared gifts of Bing Dwen Dwens and Shuey Rhon Rhons for every volunteer. This made everyone feel like they were part of the larger Olympic family, working hand in hand toward the same goal.


After the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, Kar Hing started receiving foreign guests at the Ice Cube, and participated in the reception of Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs, chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Beijing Winter Olympics, as well as IOC members, National Olympic Committee members, delegation officials and other guests. Especially as a concierge volunteer, Kar Hing wishes to showcase the custom of Chinese hospitality through her work. "Taking pleasure in hosting friends coming from afar is a virtue of the Chinese. I believe that having respect and tolerance for guests and cultures from all over the world is the best demonstration of China's cultural confidence."


Through practice in the post, Kar Hing has gained a deeper appreciation for the role of a Winter Olympics volunteer. Though the job has reaped many rewards, Kar Hing mentions that "a boost of love and pride towards Chinese culture" has been her largest gain. "During my duty, we often introduce sparkling points of Chinese Spring Festival and traditional culture to our guests, and we are surprised by their curiosity and passion for our culture." Throughout the journey, the acknowledgement given by different stakeholders and countries' guests has increased her sense of belonging in and confidence for her homeland.

Reflections on volunteer work

On the eve of Lunar New Year's Eve, Kar Hing and more than 30 other volunteers completed a video, in which they expressed their wishes for the New Year and the Winter Olympics in foreign languages and local dialects while exhibiting the unique characteristics of concierge service volunteering. The short video was not only well received by the venue volunteers and teachers but was also uploaded to the official Weibo and video accounts of the Winter Olympics Organizing Committee, giving the volunteers a heartening boost.


Kar Hing, who has not returned home to Hong Kong for a long time, stood fast in her post during the Spring Festival season while supported by proud family members and friends. "They also see Beijing 2022 as a remarkable and precious experience and event, especially in the post-epidemic era." While they were reasonably worried for her health and safety, "after my elaboration and introduction on safety and epidemic precaution measures taken by the organizing committee, there were no doubts left," Kar Hing says. "It was a very rare and meaningful opportunity for me to spend Spring Festival in this way. I got to experience the joyous and warm Northern New Year, and I was merry every day with my fellow volunteers. We all encouraged each other in perfecting our services."


Looking back on her experience, Kar Hing acknowledges the sense of fulfillment she gets by giving it her all.

"It's been more than ten days since I started work, and since then I have felt most strongly a sense of enrichment. Whether it be before or during a competition, we are working meticulously on every detail to present our best to the world. Being a Winter Olympics volunteer is a blessing and a responsibility. We are deeply involved in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and every move we make may affect the impression guests from around the world get of this event. As such, we will adhere to the principle of equality and provide the most professional services to guests from all countries with the same enthusiasm."

Writed by: Li Wanqi
Edited by: Amanda Hu
Photo: Xinhua News Agency, Beijing Daily, Li Kar Hing
Designer: Pu Hairui